Skopje, 11 May 2026 (MIA) — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs Bekim Sali took part in an informal meeting of EU ministers in Nicosia, Cyprus, earlier Monday, according to an official press release.

During a session on adding new EU member states, Sali said the EU's enlargement process needed to be reliable and predictable, based on merit and EU's fundamental values.

He described bringing new countries into the EU as a "strategic investment" in Europe’s security, stability and resilience. He added that reforms like strengthening the rule of law and improving public administration were key for making progress on the European path.

The Europe minister said the country remained fully committed to joining the EU, implementing reforms and aligning with EU's policies.

He also said candidate countries should be allowed to integrate gradually into the EU's single market to speed up their path to full membership. mr/