Skopje, 21 September 2021 (MIA) – Brussels recognizes North Macedonia’s efforts and commitment to achieving European values, the Acting Director for the Western Balkans at the Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Michela Matuella, said Tuesday during a meeting with Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Naser Nuredini. Discussion focused during the meeting on North Macedonia’s readiness to start EU accession negotiations, especially in regard to Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change. Nuredini briefed Matuella on activities the Environment Ministry is undertaking to implement the European Green Agenda. “In regard to environmental regulations, we’ve put in a lot of effort in the past year to move it closer to European legislation and fulfill our commitment,” Nuredini stressed. Interlocutors, the Ministry of Environment said in a press release, also talked about realization of major infrastructure projects and utilization of funds provided by IPA 2. The Minister underlined progress in reforms in the water sector, as well as in projects for construction of water purification stations in Kichevo, Bitola Tetovo, a water collection system in Skopje, and in the establishment of a regional waste management system in the east and north-east regions. Moreover, participants discussed at the meeting IPA 3, as well as challenges the Ministry faces not only in making use of European funds aimed to support countries in the pre-accession period, but also in full implementation of ongoing projects. The Minister stressed that in the past year, stakeholders have put a lot of effort in overcoming weaknesses and resolving issues by enhancing administrative capacities and hiring experts. “We’ve made progress and started using additional funds, available through open lines of credit, which shows that the country is ready to invest in the environment,” Nuredini concluded.