Skopje, 18 June 2025 (MIA) – Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani hosted Wednesday the Minister for European Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark, Marie Bjerre, as part of her working visit to the country. The meeting took place amid preparations for the coming Danish EU presidency, which starts July 1. North Macedonia’s European integration process, government priorities, bilateral relations and regional and geopolitical developments were the focal point of the talks, the tête-à-tête meeting and the plenary meeting of the delegations.

Minister Murtezani underlined the importance of the renewed political dynamic within the EU, driven by the change in the institutional leadership and current geopolitical developments, as a way to restore the enlargement policy as a strategic priority of the bloc. North Macedonia, he noted, remains strongly committed to the European path by implementing the Reform Agenda as part of the EU Growth Plan and by improving rule of law, the efficiency of the institutions and the fight against corruption, said the Ministry of European Affairs. 

Minister Bjerre reaffirmed Denmark’s principled support for merit-based enlargement policy calling North Macedonia’s reform steps a credible signal for maturity and commitment. She welcomed the adoption of the 2024-2027 Reform Agenda voicing preparedness for strengthening of bilateral and expert cooperation aimed at improving the administration’s capacities and the transparency of the reform process. In the context of the priorities of the six-month Danish EU presidency, it was stressed that amid the complex geopolitical reality, the Presidency’s priorities – security, competitiveness and sustainability – prove quite significant.

Minister Murtezani welcomed Denmark’s commitment to improving the enlargement policy, especially regarding the Western Balkan countries, as well as the support for Ukraine and to maintaining Europe’s security.Green transition, digital transformation, energy security and innovation are areas of joint interest in which the candidate countries and member countries can establish deeper cooperation, it was noted.

Murtezani and Bjerre also shared views on the European Union’s decision allowing North Macedonia to host a meeting of Western Balkan leaders, dedicated to the Growth Plan’s implementation, due in Skopje soon.

The interlocutors concurred that the summit, organized in partnership with the European Commission, recognizes North Macedonia’s active role in the process of implementing this strategic initiative all the while being an excellent opportunity for sharing of experiences and coordination of further steps aimed at accessing the single EU market.

Referring to recent visit by EU top officials, the ministers also concluded it is of utmost importance to enhance the credibility of the enlargement process through concrete support, predictability and permanent engagement of the institutions and EU member countries as well as to actively engage the region in events organized as part of the Presidency of the Council of the EU. 

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs