Skopje, 6 May 2025 (MIA) - Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani took part Tuesday at a Panel of Ministers responsible for European Funds and a ministerial meeting, in the framework of the 10th Forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR).

Minister Murtezani highlighted the importance of strengthening regional cooperation amid increasingly complex global and geopolitical challenges, while welcoming EUSAIR's Action Plan as a concrete tool for stronger local influence, especially with the inclusion of enlargement as a horizontal priority, the Ministry of European Affairs said in a press release.

Murtezani said EUSAIR is a platform, through which EU candidates can implement reforms in a more effective way, mobilize available EU instruments and deepen regional integration. He also noted North Macedonia's readiness to show commitment and vision when assuming its first-ever Presidency over EUSAIR and the Adriatic – Ionian Initiative.

The Minister also referred to the Strategy's fifth pillar - social cohesion - calling it a core generator of the European integration process, and saying that the European future is not built solely through institutional processes but by creating conditions for a decent life of citizens.

As coordinator of the second pillar on the region's networking, North Macedonia has announced in its programme various initiatives for modernization of cross border infrastructure, digital inclusion and youth involvement, part of a more comprehensive vision for transformation of the region.

Murtezani said EUSAIR must serve as a bridge between formal procedures and real results, through youth participation, inclusive investments and strong regional networking, a prerequisite for a sustainable future in which differences between EU candidates and members become smaller, reads the press release.

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs