Skopje, 17 November 2023 (MIA) - The final phase of North Macedonia's EU accession process, which has been ongoing for 17 years, has begun, and it is particularly important for us to continue on that path. Taking into account the current political and security situation in the region, especially the changing geopolitical circumstances, the need to accelerate Western Balkans' European integration process is of great importance, Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi told the 11th meeting of Speakers of Parliaments of Southeast European countries held in Budapest on Friday.

According to Xhaferi, the high-profile parliamentary meeting, organized by Hungarian National Assembly Speaker László Kövér, is additional proof of Hungary's efforts over the past decades for the complete integration of Western Balkan countries into the EU.

"In terms of the current EU integration steps, the final screening phase of our legislation is underway, and it has been established that there is a high level of alignment with European legislation. The screening process is not only a technical operation, but also a transformative one that applies to all segments of society," Xhaferi said.

At the session titled "The Process of European Integration of Southeastern European Countries," the Parliament Speaker reminded that 20 years have passed since the first summit in Thessaloniki, where it was concluded that all Western Balkan countries will become part of EU, after fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria.

"North Macedonia made tough decisions, taking into consideration the future of the country and citizens' wellbeing. The treaty of friendship, good-neighborliness and cooperation with Bulgaria was a way of building trust in dealing with bilateral issues, and we were and remain committed to its implementation," Xhaferi stressed.

He announced that shortly before his arrival in Budapest, he had the honor of hosting the Chairperson of the Bulgarian National Assembly, Rosen Zhelyazkov.

"We met again for the third time this year, and I expect visits to continue in the future, because in this way we send messages for greater parliamentary cooperation, readiness for open conversations, and implementing new and fresh developments in the politics between our two neighboring countries." Xhaferi added. ssh/ik/

Photo: Parliament