Skopje, 6 October 2023 (MIA) - Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani took part at a meeting of Western Balkans counterparts and European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, in the framework of the Berlin Process Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Tirana on Friday.

FM Osmani said North Macedonia initiated concept "More Integration before Membership" in 2023, promoting increased political and institutional involvement in EU processes and policies, as well as increased financing for candidate-states, resulting in specific benefits for citizens during the negotiating process, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

Osmani welcomed the positive signals coming from the EU, quoting the words of European Council President Charles Michel from Bled on setting 2030 as the timeline for the accession of new members.

"This gives renewed hope. It is time that EU acted and did this without hesitation. Meanwhile, candidate-states should integrate more in EU processes and policies, so they are more prepared for membership by 2030. For example, FMs coming from regional states that are 100-percent aligned with the common foreign and security policy of the Union should be invited to take part at Foreign Affairs Council meetings along with their EU counterparts," noted Osmani.

The FM also welcomed the idea for a new European Commission growth plan for the Western Balkans, saying the increased use of Union funds, conditioned by reforms, will serve as a motivator for reforms and will help reduce the gap in the EU approximation process and how to become better prepared for accession.

"However, the merit principle must remain the absolute imperative - when our countries deliver, EU must deliver as well. This is the ultimate motivator and I hope the EU will be able to make important decisions for the region this December," said Osmani.

He added that a united and prosperous Europe in peace is possible only through a united and prosperous Western Balkans in peace, reads the press release.