Skopje, 12 March 2025 (MIA) - The Ministry of European Affairs hosted on Wednesday a panel discission entitled "Enlargement Methodology: Exchange of Views on the Concept of Gradual Integration", organized by the Embassy of the French Republic in the Republic of North Macedonia and the Jacques Delors Institute, in cooperation with the Ministry of European Affairs of North Macedonia.

Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani and French Ambassador Christophe Le Rigoleur delivered welcome remarks at the panel. 

Murtezani highlighted the importance of gradual integration as a strategic approach that brings tangible benefits to candidate countries throughout the accession process. He pointed out that the new enlargement methodology and the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans strengthen the dynamics of the accession process through clear and structured steps. Murtezani underlined that gradual integration is an essential opportunity to strengthen political and economic ties between the European Union and the aspiring countries, the Ministry of European Affairs said in a press release. 

Murtezani also noted that regional cooperation is a key element of gradual integration, highlighting the role of the Berlin Process in promoting infrastructure, trade and energy transition. He stressed that recent geopolitical developments reinforce the need for faster and more substantial integration of the Western Balkans in the EU.

"Recent geopolitical developments, particularly the Russian invasion of Ukraine, have further reinforced the strategic importance of EU enlargement, underscoring the need for a united and stable Europe," Murtezani said. 

A panel discussion followed the welcome remarks, with the participation of experts in the area of European integration, who analysed gradual integration in the broader context of European enlargement.