Skopje, 17 February 2025 (MIA) - There is an unwavering wish from the European Union to help North Macedonia's integration process. We are here to help so that the required reforms are implemented in the country and citizens see the benefits in real time, said EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas on Monday.

Ambassador Rokas was addressing the promotion of a survey, conducted by Institute for Democracy “Societas Civilis” – Skopje (IDSCS) in cooperation with Konrad Adenauer Foundation – Skopje, which shows that 62 percent of citizens support Union accession.

Rokas said the main message of ambassadors for the citizens should be the assurance that enlargement will happen and that it will be tangible.

"On one hand, we should help in giving focus to sooner implementation of the required reforms, so that citizens are able to see the benefits of those reforms in real time, while on the other hand, the political standpoint, we should cope with the big challenges that are taking place in Europe," underlined Rokas.

German Ambassador Petra Drexler said EU members are partners in North Macedonia's Union accession process.

"If you don't believe in the possibility of the process having a positive impact, then you should not start it in the first place. It definitely depends largely on the steps undertaken in the region. What the Munich Security Conference showed is that Europe is now at a critical and existential crossroad when it comes to security. This reminds us of what the European Union was founded on. It is a Union that is supposed to guarantee peace, freedom, stability and prosperity for its people and neighbors. It is important to remind ourselves about what lies at the core of what we want to seek and achieve together," said Ambassador Drexler.

Regarding the survey results, the German Ambassador said she was positively surprised by the citizens' clear opinion about where they belong - Europe.

"There is no doubt about this. Following the receding support in recent years, this trend has stopped and the support rate is now at about 60 percent, which is rather strong," added Drexler.

According to her, Europe should be perceived as a credible and long-term partner.

"I believe this is something we should permanently work on. As I see it, the conclusions are positive and considering the challenges we are facing, one thing is clear - EU members and North Macedonia are partners in the accession process and we will continue on this path," noted Drexler.

Photo: MIA, file photo