Brussels, 17 October 2023 (MIA) – The bilateral screening meeting on Chapter 11 – Agriculture and Rural Development, which began on Monday in Brussels and was expected to continue on Tuesday and Wednesday, has been postponed due to the shooting in the Belgian capital on Monday evening in which two Swedish nationals were killed and one was wounded.

According to the head of the Macedonian delegation at the screening meeting, Deputy Chief EU Negotiator and State Secretary at the Secretariat for European Affairs, Drita Abdiu-Halili, after constant communication and consultations with representatives of the European Commission, as well as the country’s diplomatic missions to the EU and NATO, and the Embassy in Brussels, considering the current security situation, a decision was made on Tuesday to postpone the second day of the bilateral screening meeting to Thursday – October 19.

According to the State Secretary, the decision to postpone the screening meeting is based on the joint commitment to the security and safety of all participants in the process with the European Commission.

“Once again, we voice condolences to the victims and families affected by this senseless act of violence,” said Abdiu-Halili.

She confirmed that all members of the Macedonian delegation are safe, stressing that the delegation’s security remains a top priority.

“Despite the difficulties we’ve faced, our commitment to the negotiations process remains unwavering. Our delegation values the commitment, support, and we thank our colleagues from the European Commission, North Macedonia’s Mission to the EU, North Macedonia’s Mission to NATO, as well as the Embassy of North Macedonia in Brussels, who were committed to our security throughout, keeping us informed and providing the necessary help,” added Abdiu-Halili.

The Macedonian delegation participating in the screening meetings consists of Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, Ljupcho Nikolovski, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, Secretariat for European Affairs, Agency for Financial Support in Agriculture and Rural Development, State Agriculture Inspectorate, Food and Veterinary Agency, and the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption.

Following Monday’s incident in which a 45-year-old Tunisian man killed two Swedish football fans, the Belgian authorities have raised the terror threat in Brussels to its highest level and advised the citizens to remain in their homes.

Photo: Secretariat for European Affairs/MIA Archive