Skopje, 26 January 2023 (MIA) – This year we must reach political consensus that will ensure continuity in the process of EU negotiations. It is crucially important to make the constitutional changes and hold the second intergovernmental conference. This year must and should be a year of unity around the European perspective and defining the country’s trajectory in the coming decade, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski on Thursday.

PM Kovachevski told a Q&A session in Parliament that the screening process is proceeding as planned and North Macedonia must maintain the same pace over the course of the entire process of EU negotiations.

“The bilateral screening on Cluster 1 – Fundamentals has been completed, whereas the one on Cluster 2 – Internal Market has started and comments coming from the European Commission have been excellent thus far,” said Kovachevski.

He said the country is working on alignment of the legislation but more importantly, on increasing competitiveness, for the purpose of faster transition to the European single market.

Preliminary comments from all parties involved, the PM added, have been positive but the key recommendations will be included in the screening reports that the EC and the Council are expected to release as soon as possible.

“We expect to receive the screening report on Cluster 1 in the next 3-4 months, which will help us in preparing for the roadmaps on the rule of law, public administration reform and functioning of democratic institutions,” said Kovachevski.

He also highlighted the assistance provided through the EU funds for the reforms’ implementation, but also the bilateral European support.

“The signing of the EUR 90 million-worth agreement on IPA III, which is set to take place by the end of January, will accelerate reforms in the field of Euro-integration, judiciary, anti-corruption policies, environment and green agenda,” noted Kovachevski.

According to him, the Government is committed to implementing required reforms in order for the country to become a credible member of the European family.

“This is a historic opportunity that we have been waiting for a long time and we can’t afford to miss it now. EU negotiations are an opportunity to thoroughly transform and reform our country and give our citizens a European way of life and jobs here, at home,” underlined PM Kovachevski.