Skopje, 7 February 2024 (MIA) — The country's EU accession should not be delayed, despite upcoming elections; campaigners should compete through different ideas and platforms, but place citizens' interests before their political parties' interests, German MP and Parliamentary Friendship Group for Relations with the States of South-Eastern Europe chairman Josip Juratovic told a press conference Wednesday after meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj.

"I am glad the screening process with the EU in Brussels went well. I have heard a lot of positive feedback on that. Congratulations," Juratovic said, adding it was important North Macedonia focus its energies on staying the course to the EU.

He said he had visited the country many times and followed its development, noting that there was significant progress in some areas.

"By this I mean media freedom, issues related to justice, the police, and security. There is great progress in these areas. It is visible. We see it and I hope that the citizens also see it and that they will not turn back but will focus on the future," Juratovic said.

Regardless of the election outcome, he said he hoped "there still will be democratic parties that prioritize the citizens' interests instead of their political party's or their personal interests."

"The interests of the nation, of its citizens, should always take precedence," he told reporters after the meeting, which was also attended by German MPs and German Ambassador Petra Drexler.

First Deputy PM Marichikj thanked the Bundestag for the Resolution adopted in support of the Macedonian language, culture and identity, saying it confirmed that the country's EU integration would not jeopardize in any way the Macedonian identity, language and culture.

Marichikj also said the meeting discussed the country's screening process and reform efforts. "Of course we still have plenty of work, but we are on the right track," he said.

"I also presented the situation ahead of the elections," he added. "There are essentially two political blocs of parties, regardless of ethnic identity: those who are in favor of rapid membership in the EU and those who are against it.

"Our goal is to show that North Macedonia has many friends and supporters on this path, that the German Bundestag is our ally on the road to the EU, and that we should continue the journey together with such friends and join the EU as soon as possible." mr/