Skopje, 22 September 2022 (MIA) – North Macedonia’s EU screening process, the next activities in the accession negotiations process and the current political situation in North Macedonia were among the main topics discussed at Thursday’s meeting in Brussels between Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj, and European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi. “We affirmed North Macedonia’s European perspective at a key moment. Now it is important that we are focused on reforms and that we remain on the European path. That is our obligation and a task which we owe to the citizens, in order to secure the country’s prosperity and progress,” said Marichikj at the meeting. According to the Secretariat for European Affairs, Marichikj, who is the country’s chief EU negotiator, briefed the Commissioner on the screening meetings and the preparations for the bilateral screening, as well as on the institutions’ motivation and dedication to the process. Commissioner Varhelyi wished Marichikj a successful screening and said the country should remain firmly committed to the European reform agenda, as well as to building good-neighborly relations with Bulgaria and the progress towards the fulfillment of the obligations by both countries. Varhelyi underscored that the most important thing right now is for everyone in North Macedonia to stand behind the country’s European future and to aid the EU accession process, adding that the process is important for the country’s future and it is a process which brings better life for the citizens. The latest preparations for the signing of the Frontex Agreement, which will happen towards the middle of October, were also discussed at the meeting, as well as economic topics ahead of the upcoming winter and the challenges of the energy and economic crisis. On that topic, Marichikj and Varhelyi discussed the EU Western Balkan Investment Plan and the acceleration of the implementation of regional projects, especially those in infrastructure and in the field of energy. In the meantime, the screening meeting on chapter 24, “Justice, Freedom and Security” continued on Thursday in Brussels. Next week, meetings on chapter 23 “Judiciary and fundamental rights” will be held. ad/ba/