Skopje, 18 May 2023 (MIA) — Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj and Germany's Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Manuel Sarrazin met Thursday to discuss North Macedonia's accession negotiations with the European Union, the EU's enlargement policy with the Western Balkans as well as the latest developments in domestic politics.

According to the Secretariat for European Affairs in a press release, Deputy PM Marichikj said the state was fully committed to the EU negotiations. He also said he was optimistic regarding the state's being able to fulfil its obligations to the EU within the required timeframe.

"Starting the accession talks is an incentive for us to accelerate our integration and continue the reforms, which will provide our citizens with a better quality of life," Marichikj is quoted as saying in the release. He also voiced his hope that EU member states would support North Macedonia in speeding up its accession, the release adds.

Marichikj briefed Sarrazin on the ongoing screening process with the EU, as well. They also spoke about the national reform plan aiming at rapid progress in strengthening the rule of law, the justice system, the fight against corruption and other areas of importance for the country's European path.

Sarrazin, according to the release, said North Macedonia was on the right track to achieving its strategic goal. At the same time, he said, the country needed to focus on its obligations arising from the EU negotiation framework, the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the fight against corruption so it would be able to maintain the momentum toward the EU.

Marichikj and Sarrazin agreed that North Macedonia should make new progress toward the EU this year by opening the first cluster on Fundamentals, the release notes.

Germany's special envoy confirmed the unwavering support of the country's European partners, while pointing out that it was even more important for all domestic political parties to achieve consensus and be proactive in the EU integration process.

Sarrazin also reiterated the German positions on EU enlergement and current geostrategic events in Europe. He said Germany was North Macedonia's steady partner on the road to EU and would advocate for the integration of the region into the EU as soon as possible.

The meeting was also attended by German Ambassador Petra Drexler. mr/