Skopje, 22 January 2024 (MIA) – Propped up by significant financial assistance, the Growth Plan marks a resolute step and a transformational roadmap for joint prosperity of the Western Balkans, assessed Deputy Prime Minister for European affairs, Bojan Marichikj, on Monday, according to a press release from the Secretariat for European Affairs.

The Deputy PM noted that at the meeting it was highlighted that the Growth Plan is a real step towards the Euro-integration of North Macedonia and the Western Balkan countries.

“This initiative symbolizes the region’s commitment to action, encouraging economic development, stability and regional integration until the alignment of the national economies with the EU standards. The instrument acts as a catalyst for successful integration, encouraging fundamental reforms important for the fulfillment of the strategic goal of EU membership by 2030. The establishment of a Common Regional Market is crucial for the plan – unleashing the economic potential and paving the way towards the European single market. Facilitating trade; opening up the service sector; and labor mobility, are in the focus of the accelerated integration,” said Marichikj, who participated in the leaders’ meeting on the Growth Plan for the Western Balkan.

According to the press release, at Monday’s meeting North Macedonia pledged to create a solid reform agenda that will serve as the basis for the country’s Euro-integration with the goal of full-fledged EU membership by 2030. 

“The main commitments of the meeting are the priorities on the path to the EU, i.e., the commitment to the realization of reforms, cooperation, connectivity through the financial instruments which will mean a stable and secure development of the region,” said the Secretariat in the press release.

Фото: МИА Архива, СЕП