Skopje, 26 August 2026 (MIA) - At the moment, we're working on expanding the reform agenda, meaning we have a positive message from the European Commission that North Macedonia follows the dynamic of what has been agreed on its path to EU integration. With their messages, the diplomats are saying we have to work harder to fulfill the steps. Our institutions are informed on time and are adapting to the needs and messages of the diplomats and the EU. I cosider it a positive thing, Minister of European Affairs Bekim Sali stated Wednesday when asked for a comment on EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos' remarks saying EU enlargement is a geopolitical stabilizator of Europe.

Communication with the European Commission is excellent, said Sali adding the institutions are trying to respond on time.

As regards membership criteria, which are supposed to undergo changes, the minister said they are yet to be defined, which is expected after 2028.

"We're closely following to see what the course will be. There is still no, let's say, official document regarding the new criteria. We're still working on the agenda, set to be fulfilled by 2028. This is a period of sending messages and preparing the countries aspiring to join the EU to be ready for the process," said Sali.

In terms of the reform agenda, the country has to implement some 30 steps by the end of 2027 with a grace period until 2028.

"Additionally, we're working in a set of some 50 steps. The number will be defined soon because the deadlines are still open. We should offer additional steps in order to increase the 750-million-euro package as a prospect to use the total budget of six billion euros for the Western Balkans," stated Sali.

We're facing difficulties in some of the steps, he noted, but the government is making efforts to overcome them. 

On Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova's recent remarks, Sali said that good neighborly relations should be built on regular communication and support for joint development in multiple spheres, including economy and science.

"Ultimately, I believe common sense will prevail among decision makers... We shouldn't perceive the EU integration process as the deveopment of only one country, but as the development of the region," concluded Minister Sali. 

Photo: MIA