Skopje, 7 June 2023 (MIA) – Honestly I doubt the judicial and political actors are aware of how closely the EU is monitoring the work in the field of rule of law, said Swedish Ambassador Ami Larsson Jain on Wednesday, underscoring the need for honest commitment from all parties in the fight against corruption, and that there is no shortcut to the EU.

At the same time, stressed Jain, the EU too should deliver once the candidate countries fulfill the criteria.

“Sweden remains a committed partner of North Macedonia on its path to the EU,” said the Ambassador,

The fundamental values are an especially important topic, said Jain, knowing that, she said, currently “in the country we are focused on other steps necessary for the continuation of the EU path.”

According to Jain, the current geopolitical reality provided an impulse to the enlargement process in the east, but also in the Balkans and that the current EU momentum is fairly important.

“There is a momentum regarding your country’s EU membership, with the geopolitical reality of the Russian aggression on Ukraine, North Macedonia is fully aligned with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. Together, we are on the right side of history,” said Jain.

The fight against corruption and the other aspects of the rule of law, stressed Jain, are fundamental values of EU membership, with which the accession process begins and ends.

“North Macedonia is taking significant steps in the fight against corruption, but there are still significant obstacles on the path. A more constructive and systemic fight against corruption in the country is necessary. The law for the prevention of corruption and conflict of interest is still yet to be fully implemented, as well as the National Strategy and Action Plan. Another key element for the rule of law in North Macedonia is to secure independence, competency and the appropriate resources in the judiciary,” said Jain.

According to the Swedish Ambassador, improving transparency is also especially important, with an emphasis on, she said, the spending of public funds.

Photo: MIA