Skopje, 16 September 2024 (MIA) - Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani met Monday with the new Ambassador of the European Union, Michalis Rokas, discussing energizing country's EU accession process and the strategic importance of the new EU initiatives for the Western Balkans.

Minister Murtezani thanked Ambassador Rokas for the European support and close cooperation with Brussels through the EU Delegation in the country, the Ministry of European Affairs said in a press release.

Murtezani highlighted the key importance of the recently adopted Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and Reform and Growth Facility, including the need to improve IPA use. They are important reform incentives, he added, for rule of law, good governance, and economic development; mechanisms designed to strengthen institutional capacities and align North Macedonia with EU standards, reads the press release.

He also reaffirmed North Macedonia’s commitment to the Euro-integration process and implementation of necessary reforms that will prepare the country for EU membership. The Minister pointed out that the Reform and Growth Facility, through the 2024-2027 Reform Agenda worth over EUR 750 million, offers targeted support and progress in key reforms, including strengthening economic competitiveness and innovation.

Ambassador Rokas noted North Macedonia's reform efforts and reaffirmed EU's strategic commitment to Western Balkan countries.

Interlocutors also discussed accelerating rule of law, judiciary, and economic management reforms, as well as the need of continued work on roadmaps on rule of law and public administration, as prerequisites for opening the Fundamentals Cluster, in addition to the political prerequisite for constitutional amendments.

Murtezani and Rokas stressed the importance of making visible progress in key areas to ensure successful European integration. They also expressed preparedness to boost cooperation between the Ministry of European Affairs and EU Delegation, with the aim of achieving joint strategic goals. ssh/ik/

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs