The European perspective should deliver concrete benefits to citizens, businesses, and civil society well before full membership in the European Union, Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs Bekim Sali said following meetings with high-ranking representatives of European institutions in Brussels.
“The European perspective must become a practical reality even before membership. Our goal is for citizens, businesses, and civil society to become increasingly connected with the European Union, while we continue working toward full membership,” Sali said.
He noted that the meetings covered reforms, gradual integration into the EU, security cooperation, and the inclusion of civil society, as well as the need to find practical solutions to the challenges faced by Macedonian transport operators within the Schengen Area.
“The discussions focused on reforms, gradual integration into the European Union, cooperation in the field of security, and the inclusion of civil society. We also highlighted the need for practical solutions regarding the difficulties encountered by our transport operators in the Schengen Area,” Minister Sali indicated.
In the context of the European integration process, European Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos stated following a tête-à-tête meeting with Sali that constitutional amendments are the step Macedonia must take for the process to continue without the need for further political decisions. Kos emphasized that public support for EU membership is significant, and that the fact that two-thirds of citizens still support membership provides the Government with the legitimacy to continue along the EU path.