Skopje, 20 May 2026 (MIA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski welcomed on Wednesday the European Commission’s approval of a new EUR 65.7 million tranche for the country under the Reform and Growth Facility, stressing that it is proof North Macedonia is the top-ranked country in the Western Balkans.

“Regarding the Growth Plan, I am very glad that numerous lies have been debunked, and I am glad that Macedonia is the top-ranked country in the Western Balkans, which reflects reality, but it is nice to see it on paper as well. This is for the deadlines that expired in January. Now we have new deadlines for June. This morning a government team headed by Prime Minister Mickoski had a meeting with Koopman, the European Commission's Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations Directorate Director-General, and we will be the top-ranked country in June as well. The indicators are clear. It is good that the EU recognizes this and that the reforms are being implemented because not only do they result in a financial contribution to the Budget, but also mean a better life for the citizens,” Nikoloski said in an interview for TV Sitel.

In the interview, Nikoloski also spoke about Corridor VIII, adding that on Wednesday he had a meeting with the European Investment Bank, which, he said, is interested in financing the project.

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