Skopje, 9 September 2026 (MIA) - Accession to the European Union has regained its strategic importance in Europe, our shared goal is to use this opportunity for tangible progress. For the Western Balkans, European accession is not only a foreign policy goal, but a comprehensive process of democratic transformation, as well as institutional, economic, and social strengthening and development, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs Bekim Sali at the opening of a two-day conference on regional cooperation for EU accession held Wednesday and Thursday in Parliament.

"Parliaments are at the heart of this transformation. The European accession process cannot be led just by the governments. Its democratic legitimacy and credibility depend on the active participation of parliaments. Governments negotiate and implement reforms, parliaments adopt laws and oversee implementation," Sali said.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Antonijo Miloshoski stressed that instructions are expected from the EU by the end of the year regarding the manner and steps to be taken in the enlargement process, upon a proposal by Germany and France.

"The most important thing in the country, as the Minister said as well, is building national consensus. I think we have achieved that in our society. Joining the EU is one of the firmest goals backed by all political parties," Miloshoski said. 

Miloshoski noted that harmonization with the EU acquis is not simple, however, he added, the implementation of the harmonized legislation in practice in the institutions is an even more difficult task.

Jan-Axel Voss, Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, said enlargement is a shared interest of both countries.

"Back in May my Government started pushing for a more dynamic process in the Union. I believe that this idea for a more dynamic process is very interesting for this panel," the German Deputy Ambassador said.

According to the Deputy Ambassador, Parliament plays an indispensable role in the enlargement process, and not just a formal one.

The two-day conference will assess the role of efficient parliamentary oversight in advancing the EU accession process.

Several sessions are being held on Wednesday, with the first dedicated to the role of Western Balkan parliaments in the EU accession process, as well as developments on a European and regional level.

Photo: MIA