The European Union is allocating funds to strengthen the country’s military capabilities and security, while also supporting its road, rail, energy and digital connectivity through various financial instruments, EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas said Thursday.
He underscored the EU’s strong commitment to N. Macedonia joining the Union as soon as possible, emphasizing that regional connectivity and greater resilience were particularly important given the current geopolitical reality.
Speaking at a panel discussion titled “Strategic Connectivity for Stability: The EU and North Macedonia in the New Geopolitical Reality,” Rokas pointed out that nearly €65 million has been allocated to the country through the European Peace Facility, with an additional €40 million expected to be provided soon to further strengthen its military capabilities.
“That is why we also want to offer a response in the sphere of security. Precisely for this reason, we have allocated nearly €65 million for North Macedonia through the European Peace Facility. We hope that we will soon be able to secure an additional 40 million euros to strengthen the country’s military capabilities and, as a NATO member, to enhance our security,” said Rokas.
He notes that the response of the European Union and the Government to current challenges is comprehensive, as connectivity, economic stability, and security are interdependent.
“As you can see, our response, that is, the response of the European Union member states and the Government here, is comprehensive. We are trying to view all these issues through the same lens,” the EU Ambassador pointed out.
As one of the reasons for investing in connectivity, Rokas cited the EU’s commitment to the country’s European integration, as well as the fact that disruptions to value chains have consequences for the wider region and for the Union itself.