First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs Bekim Sali took part in the Western Balkans Conference held in Vienna, organized at the invitation of Austrian Minister for Europe, Integration and Family Claudia Bauer.
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During the debate on the region’s prospects, Sali stated that European Union enlargement must produce concrete results for citizens even before full membership. He focused particularly on young people, calling for more opportunities for study, vocational training, work placements, scientific research and exchanges with Europe’s partner countries.
“For our young people, the European future must mean real opportunities to learn, develop and build their future in their own country,” Sali said.
As examples of gradual integration, the minister mentioned facilitating trade through Green Lanes, inclusion in SEPA and cooperation in the digital field. According to him, these are direct benefits that closer ties with the EU can offer citizens and businesses.
Sali also emphasized that expanding participation in European programs, policies and the single market must be based on transparent criteria, the implementation of reforms and respect for the rule of law.
He reiterated that North Macedonia is determined to continue its reforms and work toward membership in the European Union. At the same time, the minister called for the enlargement process to be fair and predictable, while the progress of candidate countries should be assessed on the basis of objective European criteria.
At the conclusion of the conference, Bekim Sali expressed gratitude to Austria for organizing the event and for its continued support for the Western Balkans’ European perspective./Telegrafi/
