Skopje, 22 January 2024 (MIA) — North Macedonia has never been closer to the EU, given that the Growth Plan is different than any other previous proposals and fouses on doing practical work; regional leaders recognize the importance of progress and are ready to take the political risk in achieving changes, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien said in his remarks at the leadership meeting on the Western Balkans Growth Plan taking place in Skopje.

O'Brien stressed that during the process of implementing the Growth Plan no countries would have the right to veto or block any other countries. No one would stop anyone else from progressing because of unresolved bilateral disputes; any country that would try to do so would face consequences, he said.

Practical initiatives were expected in the next few months, he added, and in addition to the free flow of people, goods and services and the Single Euro Payments Area, the leaders have been discussing ideas for promoting electricity generation, transmission and trade.

"With a little work, we can make things better," O'Brian said, adding that the US' position was clear in its steadfast support for the EU aspirations of the Western Balkans. He added that the region has never been closer to the EU than now and making progress would bring the region even closer to achieving the benefits of membership.

He said the EU was constantly innovating and the Growth Plan was very different from previous proposals.

"It says: Let's do the practical work'," O'Brian noted. He added that the US was supporting the idea of a free single market and free movement of goods and services.

"We have spent about $200 million in aid to this region and we will remain committed to this, but now we are focused on bringing the region into the single market," he added.

In practical terms, he said, this meant defining specific initiatives for businesses and citizens in the region.

According to him, the benefits from a Single Euro Payments Area would be great and obvious to everyone. Every individual transferring money in and out of the region would save five percent each time. And the European Green Corridors would greatly business.

O'Brian said the goal was for the citizens of this region to have regional businesses and work in Europe. Also, he said, costs would be cut in two, with EU companies being able to outsource in the region.

He said he expected that the meeting would result in selecting a specific group of people who would develop the initiatives and have to deliver them.

"Political leaders are willing to take the political risk," O'Brien pointed out, adding that much work lay ahead but great progress was expected.

"With this we are setting the pace," he said. He also said if a country wanted to stand back and watch, then the citizens of that country would decide if their political leaders were the right ones, O'Brien stressed.

O'Brien addressed the meeting following Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski's and Director-General of the Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations Gert Jan Koopman's remarks. mr/