Shkup brings together regional representatives for EU integration summit and enlargement challenges

The capital of North Macedonia is hosting an important interregional meeting of chief negotiators and senior officials responsible for European affairs, organized by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs, Bekim Sali. The event is attended by delegations from the Western Balkan states, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, together with European Union officials and other international stakeholders.

The central topics of discussion include the EU enlargement perspective, the next Multiannual Financial Framework and the acceleration of alignment with the acquis communautaire through closer cooperation between executives and legislatures.

In his address, Minister Sali described enlargement as a strategic investment in the security, resilience and prosperity of the continent. He stressed that the commitment to internal transformations requires a credible and predictable accession process, in which progress is measured on the basis of individual performance.

Particular emphasis was placed on the concept of gradual integration and the concrete benefits that citizens and businesses can enjoy during the journey toward the EU, before formal accession. In this context, the next Multiannual Financial Framework was identified as a key instrument for promoting reforms, institutional consolidation and economic convergence.

Participants also examined the role of parliaments in the integration process, the need for early coordination in drafting legislation, and the importance of parliamentary oversight of the quality and implementation of reforms.

The aim of the meeting is to deepen the exchange of best practices and operational cooperation among the institutions leading the integration process, as well as to identify areas for expanded interregional partnership.

Minister Sali expressed his gratitude to all attendees and partners, highlighting the support of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and GIZ in organizing the meeting and their unwavering support for the European path.