Skopje, 26 February 2025 (MIA) – President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova met Wednesday with the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Amer Kapetanović.

As stated by her office, Siljanovska-Davkova underscored the importance of regional cooperation, stressing the need for economic and infrastructural connectivity, the advantages of a common regional market, and the region’s integration into the EU single market.

"She expects the Growth Plan and reform agendas to stimulate the development of the Western Balkans through changes in specific areas, supported by European financial funds, the allocation of which is tied to their implementation within precisely defined deadlines. The interlocutors agreed that mutual respect and understanding are key to successful cooperation in various fields, leading to better fulfilment of citizens’ needs through compliance with the Copenhagen criteria and a shift in the EU’s narrative and approach toward us," as stated by Siljanovska-Davkova’s office.

Kapetanović expressed his gratitude to President Siljanovska-Davkova for successfully presiding over last year’s SEECP Summit, for efforts to uphold the credibility of this regional initiative, and for ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of the process. He also praised the constructive stance of the Macedonian authorities and outlined the Council’s plan to develop a catalog of common interests.

Kapetanović also briefed on the upcoming Western Balkans Digital Summit, which is expected to boost regional cooperation in the area of digitalization.

During the meeting, views were shared on the current political situation in the EU, as well as the issue of double standards within the Union, which is justified by the consensus-based decision-making process.

"Given the dramatic geopolitical changes, Siljanovska-Davkova considers that enlargement should now more than ever be a priority for the EU, necessitating the demilitarization of the process and evaluation according to the implementation of the Copenhagen criteria," reads the press release.

Siljanovska-Davkova and Kapetanović pointed out the risks of bilateralization of EU integration by neighbours through the misuse of vetoes, identity pressures, and efforts to revise history.

During the meeting, opinions and proposals were exchanged on stepping away from patriarchal and submissive politics and moving toward a participatory and democratic political culture, the imperative for the depoliticization of state and public administration, the fight against corruption and crime, the need for an independent judiciary, and the rule of law.

Photo: President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova’s office