Dublin, 4 July 2025 (MIA) - Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani met with members of the Irish Parliament's Committee on European Union Affairs in Dublin on Friday. Murtezani briefed the members of the EU Affairs Committee on the ongoing implementation of the Reform Agenda 2024-2027 in the country and the activities related to the EU's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, while also presenting the conclusions of the Summit held in Skopje two days ago.

Deputy Chair of the Committee, Senator Aidan Davitt, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and member of the EU Affairs Committee, John Lahart, as well as MP Paula Butterly and Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, also members of the Committee, attended the meeting, the Ministry of European Affairs said in a press release.    

Talks focused on the dynamics of implementation of obligations related to the Growth Plan, with the aim of promoting economic alignment and institutional readiness of the country.

The Minister pointed out that the country is actively involved in regional processes, achieving concrete results in fulfilling the conditions for the release of funds, and that it is already part of the European rule of law mechanism.

Murtezani briefed the MPs on the country's current progress in the European integration process, in terms of fulfilling the benchmarks from Cluster 1, Fundamentals. He noted that the Government is fully committed to deepening reforms in the rule of law, the efficiency of public administration and the strengthening of democratic institutions, in close cooperation with the European Commission.

"Murtezani had a constructive exchange of views with the members of the Committee on topics related to the economic integration of North Macedonia, the resilience of institutions and the preparation of candidate countries for membership. Particular interest was expressed in the mechanisms through which North Macedonia promotes transparency, the rule of law and the effective use of IPA funds. Interlocutors expressed willingness to deepen parliamentary cooperation, including through a more active functioning of the Parliamentary Friendship Groups and mutual visits of parliamentary delegations," reads the press release. 

The Minister thanked the members of the Committee for their ongoing support for the European Union's enlargement policy, including the European perspective of the country and the other countries in the Western Balkans.

Participants in the meeting shared a common view that the integration of the region is an issue of strategic and security importance for the Union. Interlocutors agreed that closer cooperation between the two countries is needed, as well as creation of a political dynamic that will ensure predictable and well-deserved progress for the country, especially in the context of the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, the press release reads.