Skopje, 18 October 2023 (MIA) - Minister for European and International Affairs, Education, and Human Resources of the Austrian State of Styria, Werner Amon, told Wednesday's joint press conference with host Bujar Osmani that North Macedonia should see Styria as a reliable partner on the path to EU.

Amon pointed out that Austria belongs to the countries that strongly support the Western Balkans' accession and, above all, North Macedonia's accession to the EU, because "it is important to bring stability to the region when the world is facing great instability, and EU membership would contribute to greater stability".

"It is in Austria's interest for the Western Balkan countries, and above all North Macedonia, to join the EU as soon as possible, because for all of us in Europe it is a matter of stability, of economic progress. Because I believe that waiting for too long certainly leads to frustration, and we should be careful, to convince people not to be disappointed on the path to the EU. And the progress should really be rewarded and result in sooner accession to the EU," Amon said in response to a reporter's question on whether 2030 is a realistic goal for North Macedonia's EU membership. 

Osmani asnd Amon signed on Wednesday a Joint Declaration for Cooperation between North Macedonia and Styria (Austria) and interest for North Macedonia to join Alpe-Adria Alliance.  

According to Amon, it is an Alliance dating from the 80s that aims to unite the states of on the Adriatic area, so that common European interests can be realized more easily. It includes Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, as well as several Austrian provinces. This, he noted, is a very good signal for the Western Balkans and for North Macedonia, and he expects the signing of the document to result in concrete projects and cooperation in science, education and economy.

Minister Osmani pointed out that Styria, as an important European investor, has a significant economic presence in the Western Balkans region. Sparkasse, GRAWE and several other investments from Styria, he added, speak of the high level of economic cooperation, which aims to contribute to faster economic development, as well as sustainability of the country's economy, bringing it one step closer to the EU.

Wednesday's visit, Osmani agreed, opens new opportunities for connection and cooperation between North Macedonia and the Austrian province in various sectors. Osmani expressed readiness for further dynamics in the cooperation with Styria.

The signed documents on Wednesday, he noted, will enable the country to use the EU's programs and structures in the interest of the Euro-integration process. 

Photo: MIA