Brussels, 12 October 2022 (MIA) – European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi presented the progress reports for the countries of the Western Balkans and Turkey before the European Parliament on Wednesday, saying 2022 was an important year for North Macedonia because of the start of the EU accession negotiations. “North Macedonia launched the negotiations process with the first political intergovernmental conference, which should have taken place a long time ago. This is a breakthrough for the country. North Macedonia has demonstrated determination and sustained progress,” Commissioner Varhelyi told the EP. He added the importance for the country to maintain the reform pace and use the screening process to accelerate reforms. According to him, further efforts are required in the field of public administration. The report welcomes the country’s full alignment with the EU common foreign and security policy, especially with regards to Ukraine. “With this, the country has showed its determination to move forward on its EU path,” said Varhelyi. Later in the day, the Commissioner will address the media regarding the EC reports for the Western Balkans and Turkey.