First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs Bekim Sali held a bilateral meeting with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos during his working visit to Brussels.
The discussions focused on North Macedonia's European perspective, recent developments in European Union enlargement policy, implementation of the Reform Agenda, and opportunities for accelerated gradual integration into European policies and programmes.
Minister Sali welcomed the European Commission's Communication, “Preparing for a Wider Union”, highlighting the importance of a more predictable, merit-based enlargement process delivering measurable results.
“European integration must be more than a political perspective. It must translate into real opportunities for our citizens, economy and businesses. The reforms we implement should progressively bring us closer to the European Union's market, programmes and policies,” Minister Sali emphasised.
The meeting also addressed implementation of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and North Macedonia's Reform Agenda. Minister Sali reaffirmed the country's commitment to reforms in the rule of law, public administration, digitalisation, energy and economic competitiveness.
Particular attention was devoted to the tangible benefits of gradual integration, including participation in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), the potential extension of the “Roam Like at Home” model, and cooperation on digital transformation.
Minister Sali also underlined the importance of the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034, which should provide stable, predictable and results-oriented support for candidate countries.
During the visit, Commissioner Marta Kos also gave a dedicated interview to media representatives from North Macedonia, providing an opportunity for direct communication with the public on enlargement and the country's European perspective.
The Ministry for European Affairs remains committed to close cooperation with European institutions to accelerate reforms and translate the integration process into concrete results for citizens.
