Skopje, 15 January 2026 (MIA) – Minister of European Affairs Bekim Sali and the French Ambassador to North Macedonia, Christophe Le Rigoleur, at a working meeting on Thursday discussed the country’s EU integration process, reform priorities and the two countries’ cooperation.

“At the meeting, Minister Sali thanked for France’s continuing support of the European path of North Macedonia and for its contribution to strengthening institutional capacities and the implementation of key reforms. He said that the EU integration process and related reforms will be top priority during his term as minister of European affairs. The two interlocutors shared views on current developments in view of the EU enlargement policy and on the importance of maintaining the reform dynamic using the positive momentum in the region. Minister Sali underscored the commitment to strengthening the coordination role of the Ministry of European Affairs, the operations of the national structures for negotiations and the Reform Agenda as well as to improving the absorption of EU funds,” said the Ministry of European Affairs. 

Talks also focused on the current state of play of the accession process, including implementation of the tasks from the screening reports, finalization of the roadmaps on rule of law and public administration reforms and progress in other aspects related to the functioning of the democratic institutions. 

“Minister Sali said the Republic of North Macedonia remains fully committed to the European agenda being fully aligned with the EU’s joint foreign and security policy as a clear indicator for the strategic commitment of membership. Cooperation was praised with Expertise France and the French Development Agency (AFD) as well as the programs for support of institutional development and strengthening of administrative capacities that contribute directly to alignment with EU standards,” said the press release. 

The two interlocutors reaffirmed readiness for further strengthening of political dialogue and cooperation in areas of joint interest, including energy, digital transformation, infrastructure, education and culture and for resuming the close coordination supporting the EU enlargement policy. 

Photo: Minister of European Affairs' office 

 
Фото: Кабинет на министерот за европски прашања