Skopje, 29 March 2023 (MIA) – North Macedonia's Justice Minister Krenar Lloga and Austria's Justice Minister Alma Zadić signed a joint statement for cooperation in the area of protection and implementation of the principles of the rule of law, civil and criminal law reforms, fight against corruption, as well as digitization of judiciary. 

Lloga and Zadić agreed that Austria will transfer knowledge and experience in the judiciary, including professional training for judges and prosecutors, as part of the cooperation.

"Among other things, we discussed that Austria is one of our strongest supporters in the EU, and we signed a joint statement that solidifies our further support in many spheres,” Minister Lloga said after the meeting.

Zadić said that North Macedonia has made several painful concessions and compromises.

“It should be valued in the near future. The ball is in our court and we will do all we can to help North Macedonia on its path to EU membership,” she said.

She added that one of the goals of the signing of the statement is to strengthen the country’s institutions to reform the judiciary and the overall capacities that need to be stronger before EU membership.

“Judiciary reforms are a condition for the country to work, and North Macedonia is rushing to strengthen its capacities, particularly when it comes to corruption and the rule of law, which must be done for the country to progress,” Zadić pointed out.dk/nn/