Skopje, 14 June 2022 (MIA) – We must not lose this momentum for the start of EU negotiations with North Macedonia, Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj told Tuesday’s briefing with the EU Working Group on the Western Balkans/ Enlargement (COWEB/COELA). Marichikj briefed the EU representatives on the country’s European integration, the dynamics of reform implementation and the Government’s commitment to the implementation, particularly in the key areas of the rule of law, public administration reform, and fight against organized crime and corruption, the Secretariat for European Affairs said in a press release. “EU membership remains our strategic goal, with full commitment to the reforms implemented on the path for transformation of society in accordance with the standards of developed EU democracies, for a better living standard of the citizens, which is in fact the goal of this process and the EU membership,” Marichikj said, calling for valorization of what has already been achieved in terms of the European reform agenda. Delegates from all EU Council member states, as well as representatives of the Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement and the European External Action Service (EEAS), which is proof of the interest in the Macedonian European perspective, as well as proof of the EU’s commitment to the enlargement process, reads the press release. The delegates reaffirmed the country’s progress and expressed belief that North Macedonia will hear good news at the upcoming EU June Summit. Later on Tuesday, Deputy PM Marichikj, who is on a visit to Brussels, will hold a tête-à-tête meeting with European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi, and will also meet with the European Commission coordinator for North Macedonia Marc Jorna.