Brussels, 3 February 2026 (MIA) – First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs Bekim Sali, who is in an official visit to Brussels, is set to meet with the EU’s Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos on Tuesday.  

During his first official visit to Brussels since taking office, Sali will also meet with the Director-General of the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), Gert Jan Koopman. 

On Monday, Sali met with the European Parliament’s shadow rapporteur for North Macedonia, Slovenian MEP Matej Tonin, discussing the country's progress in the European integration process as well as implementation of key reforms, including the rule of law, public administration and community rights.

Talks also highlighted the importance of ensuring that bilateral issues do not hinder the country's progress towards the EU, with Sali reaffirming the country's commitment to the European path and readiness to further advance reforms with European partners.

Sali and Tonin welcomed the progress achieved in the Western Balkans Growth Plan and the digitalization of services, including the project on free public Wi-Fi hotspots to up to 500 municipalities across the Western Balkans – WiFi4WB as well as joining the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA).

Deputy PM Sali also met with Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the Directorate General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST) as part of his visit to Brussels on Monday. Talks focused on North Macedonia’s progress in the implementation of the Reform Agenda and the Growth Plan, noting that the country is showing sustainable progress in key areas such as the rule of law, public administration, and digitization of services.

At the meetings with Tonin and Superti, Sali also discussed readiness to tackle practical challenges, such as implementing the Exit/Entry System for transporters. 

Sali began his first official visit to Brussels by meeting with the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union, Christina Rafti, whose country is currently chairing the Council of the European Union.

Talks focused on the Reform Agenda, the Western Balkans Growth Plan, as well as key priorities within the framework of the progress of negotiations with the European Union. 

The meeting highlighted the importance of continued cooperation and support from European partners for the realization of reforms and further promotion of the integration process. 

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs