Skopje, 17 March 2023 (MIA) - European Commission Vice-President and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrel, said Friday the future of North Macedonia and its citizens lies in the European Union and the current difficult geostrategic environment can be faced only through unity.

"Until now, the meetings of the Stabilization and Association Council were held in Luxembourg and now for the first time in Skopje, because we wanted to demonstrate our acknowledgment of North Macedonia's progress," Borrell told a press conference after the 16th meeting of the SA Council between EU and North Macedonia.

This is a clear signal, he added, that the EU is getting closer to you and demonstrating that the Western Balkans is and will continue to be an important part of our geopolitical dimension.

European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi said it is important for the country not to slow down but accelerate its work on reforms, urging for support from citizens that Europe needs.

PM Kovachevski said the Council meeting was a success, stressing that North Macedonia is moving forward on the European path.

The meeting focused on the current developments and the country's progress in the negotiations' process.

"We are fully supported by the EU to be successful in our next breakthrough. EU officials have saluted our strong focus on reforms and adoption of required legislation," said Kovachevski.

North Macedonia's delegation at the meeting also included Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj and Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani, whereas the EU delegation comprised European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, representatives of EU member-states and European institutions.

Photo: MIA