Skopje, 9 May 2025 (MIA) - The symbolism of May 9 – Europe Day and Victory over Fascism Day – is a strong reaffirmation of the values ​​we share: democracy, transparency, human rights and resilience to all forms of oppression, Minister of Public Administration, Goran Minchev, told Friday's fifth session of the Council for Coordination and Monitoring of the Open Government Partnership Process 2024–2026, in the attendance of members of the Council and representatives of the international secretariat of the Open Government Partnership, who are in an official visit to the Republic of North Macedonia.

"These values ​​are the foundation of our commitment to open governance and are inextricably linked to our European commitment," Minchev said, pointing out that the Government remains firmly committed to the European path, not only as a geopolitical orientation, but a fundamental transformation of society, with open governance being the key mechanism for increasing trust and accountability of institutions.

He welcomed the visit of the representatives of the international secretariat as a significant signal of the trust that the country enjoys within the global initiative. The meetings focused on the challenges and future directions of the reform process, including an initiative to hold a special government session dedicated to the Open Government Partnership - a clear evidence of the political will for accountability, the Ministry of Public Administration said in a press release. 

The session looked into the implementation of the Action Plan 2024–2026 and raised issues on further improvement of public administration, strengthening of civic space and fight against corruption. Minister Minchev particularly welcomed the engagement of the working group on transparency in public procurement, stressing the importance of sharing good practices at the upcoming Global Summit of the Partnership.

In this context, the session highlighted involvement of Macedonian MPs in activities to promote openness, through the holding of the parliamentary caravan in Resen - as one of the already implemented activities within the Action Plan for an open Parliament. This initiative, adds the press release, is a concrete example of bringing MPs closer to citizens and increasing the accountability of the legislative branch.

"Open governance is not just an obligation – it is a decision, a goal and a value we share. I see today's session as another small victory – a victory for openness, dialogue and democracy," said Minister Minchev.

Photo: Ministry of Public Administration