Skopje, 7 November 2023 (MIA) – Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, Ljupcho Nikolovski, addressed Tuesday the 17th annual working meeting of ministers of agriculture from Southeast Europe, held in Jahorina, Bosnia and Herzegovina. In his address, Nikolovski noted that regional cooperation between SEE countries is a key factor for political stability, security and economic development.

“North Macedonia is confidently stepping on the European path, with a clear goal for EU membership by 2030. Negotiations with the European Union have already begun, and the bilateral meeting on chapters for cluster 5 will be held this month. As a country we have set ambitious frameworks for ourselves, which will assist the harmonization of the country’s legislation with the EU. In recent years, North Macedonia has made great progress and has largely harmonized its national legislation with the European acquis,” said Nikolovski.

At the meeting, Nikolovski presented the results of the IPARD II programme and touched upon “the successful start” of IPARD III.

“North Macedonia is a leader when it comes to using funds from the IPARD II programme, we have the largest 100 percent realization of the programme, with zero returned funds, and we were the first country in the region to begin the realization of the new IPARD III programme. Our success with IPARD was also confirmed by the European Union, which increased the sum by 62 percent, as a result of which we have EUR 97 million of European funds at our disposal, compared to EUR 60 million previously,” stressed Minister Ljupcho Nikolovski in his address, during which he presented novelties in the IPARD III programme.

The Minister also spoke about the green agenda which, he said is a roadmap for sustainable agriculture. He also mentioned the Open Balkan initiative as “a good example of successful regional cooperation”.

“The goal of our connection was the development of our economies, a common regional and single market without limitations, which would result in a better life for all our citizens. And we are seeing the results. The trade exchange between the Open Balkan countries has reached EUR 1.1 billion, which is a result of the initiative. Integration instead of disintegration of the region, free and open market instead of complicated procedures – this should be the joint goal of the countries of the region,” underlined Nikolovski.

Photo: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy