Skopje, 3 May 2022 (MIA) – Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj met Tuesday with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, discussing about the European perspective of the country and the region, as well as talks with Bulgaria to lift the veto on the start of EU accession negotiations. “EU membership is North Macedonia’s strategic commitment, and as a Government we are committed to implementing the European standards and rules,” said Deputy PM Marichikj, adding that if an agreement with Bulgaria on lifting the veto is not reached soon, increased Euroscepticism among citizens is to be expected. Marichikj and Landsbergis agreed that expectations from the Commission and the French EU Presidency are high, adding that in the coming period they will take necessary steps to make progress and open the process, the Secretariat for European Affairs said in a press release. Interlocutors reaffirmed partnership and discussed joint projects implemented by the Secretariat for European Affairs together with Lithuania, agreeing to deepen cooperation by providing expert and financial support to promote the country’s reform agenda in order to bring it closer to European legislation and standards.