Skopje, 17 July 2023 (MIA) - Rule of law is one of the key segments for every country and progress in this field is crucial, said Monday members of the 'Weimar Triangle', i.e. France's Minister of State for Europe Laurence Boone, Minister of State for Europe and Climate in Germany's Federal Foreign Office Anna Lührmann, and Poland’s Minister for the European Union Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk, who are paying a two-day official visit to Skopje.

They told a joint press conference after a meeting with Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj that every country is under the magnifying glass when it comes to the judicial system and no country has a special treatment.

EU negotiations will highlight the rule of law, as is the case with all countries within the accession process, said the ministers.

"We are all subject to reviews regarding the rule of law, information and disinformation checks, freedom and independent media, we are all under the magnifying glass regarding the judicial system, we all have to go through the process in order to protect the constitution and democracy. There is no special treatment, and this is something that separates us from the less democratic states," said French Minister Boone.

According to German Minister Lührmann, once the constitutional amendments are adopted and the first chapters open, the rule of law cluster will be crucial.

"We are convinced that the Government's commitment and reforms can lead to swift results, especially because progress in the rule of law is crucial for the people of North Macedonia - it will help the fight against corruption, strengthen democracy and build prosperity. EU negotiations will highlight the rule of law, as is the case with all countries in the accession process. It is very clear that EU accession is a regulated process with several chapters that are currently undergoing technical screening. The Deputy PM is a regular in Brussels and these meetings are progressing very well," noted Lührmann.

Minister Szynkowski reiterated that conditions must be met in order to join the EU, but North Macedonia must be credited for what it has done in recent years.

"We have come not only to voice our expectations but also to express our joint support and acknowledge the country for the steps it has made in recent years. It is important that the EU validates your efforts. Of course, there are conditions that you will have to meet once the negotiations open, but you are right to expect the opening of clusters, hopefully by the end of this year, and we will support you on this path," noted Szynkowski.

Photo: MIA