Skopje, 1 July 2025 (MIA) - Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani hosted Tuesday the second panel of the Western Balkans Leaders’ Meeting on the Growth Plan held in Skopje. In a press release, the Ministry of European Affairs said the panel “Zooming in on the Growth Plan pillars” was held in the presence of ministers for European affairs from the Western Balkans, senior officials from the European Commission, as well as representatives from regional organizations and international financial institutions.

In his opening address, Murtezani emphasized that the country does not see the necessary steps as mere tasks to be completed, but rather "as an alignment with our identity – an identity that firmly belongs in the European family." According to Murtezani, the most fitting place for a discussion on growth is precisely Skopje, because, he said, Skopje is a city where bridges connect not only riverbanks, but also generations. 

“The Minister highlighted the significant role of the Growth Plan as a catalyst for reforms and European integration, stressing that ‘we don’t measure growth in abstract figures, but through the fact that startups remain here, students are coming back, and the judiciary is becoming functional’,” the Ministry said. 

According to the Ministry, the panel focused on two strategic topics – the implementation of an efficient reform agenda and the promotion of the common regional market. In that context, the Minister noted that the discussion is an opportunity to share innovative solutions, joint initiatives, and transformative ambitions.

The Minister stressed that reforms aren’t just a list of tasks but “our compass, while regional integration is no longer just a goal, but a foundation upon which we stand together”.

“When this panel discussion ends is when the real work begins. Let’s walk down this path not as six neighboring countries, but as a single region that is finally moving at the same pace,” the Minister said.

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs