Today, the Minister for European Affairs Orhan Murtezani and the Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of North Macedonia, Michalis Rokas, held a joint press conference at which they presented the main aspects of the Western Balkans Growth Plan and the Reform Agenda 2024-2027 for North Macedonia.
Ambassador Rokas emphasized the strong support of the European Union through concrete financial and strategic measures that will enable the acceleration of reforms, the improvement of socio-economic conditions and the approximation of North Macedonia to EU membership.
Minister Murtezani addressed the importance of clear, transparent and effective communication with citizens, presenting the Communication and Visibility Plan of the Western Balkans Growth Plan and the Reform Agenda 2024 - 2027 of North Macedonia. which is intended to increase trust in the reform processes and greater visibility of the concrete benefits of the European integration process.
The following is the full address of MEP Murtezani:
Dear Ambassador Rokas,
Dear representatives of the media,
At the outset, I would like to express my gratitude to EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas, not only for his presence here today, but also for the continued support and excellent cooperation we have with the Delegation of the European Union in the daily work of the Ministry for European Affairs, including in the process of preparing this important Communication and Visibility Plan for the Western Balkans Growth Plan and the Reform Agenda 2024 - 2027 of North Macedonia.
As I had the opportunity to emphasize yesterday at the workshop organized by the Ministry for European Affairs, dedicated precisely to this Communication and Visibility Plan: well-designed and implemented communication is not just a formal step or an administrative task. On the contrary, communication is the key to the success of reforms. Clarity, transparency and comprehensibility are prerequisites for citizens to feel that the reforms are theirs and that European integration is not a distant and abstract concept, but a concrete tangible opportunity for a better life.
Through this Plan, citizens will be able to clearly see the concrete results and effects of the reforms - from improving the business environment and creating new jobs, to greater economic competitiveness and strengthened democratic institutions. In this way, the Plan will not only increase the visibility of the activities we are implementing with the help of the EU, but will also strengthen citizens' trust in the reform process and in the very European future of our country.
The Communication and Visibility Plan, created with strong support and in close coordination with the Delegation of the European Union, is a strategic document. It is a political message that North Macedonia is seriously and responsibly stepping forward towards its European future. The Plan is a set guideline and a clear commitment to transparency, openness and accountability towards all our citizens. To achieve this, this Plan has three clear and important pillars:
1. The first is easy access to clear and accurate information. To this end, we will create a specialized online platform, which will be a central point for monitoring all activities, progress and results of the reforms. This platform will ensure transparency and enable direct communication between institutions and the public.
2. The second element is the active involvement of citizens and all relevant stakeholders in the reform process. Through public events, discussions and media campaigns, we will enable two-way communication that will encourage open dialogue and build a strong partnership between institutions and citizens.
3. The third pillar is recognition and consistency in communication through a single visual identity. By developing a clear logo, color scheme and visual brand, we will ensure that every activity related to the reforms and the Growth Plan is easily recognizable and carries the message of our common European values and goals.
The activities related to this Plan are structured in three phases: first, we will build awareness of the reforms and opportunities offered by the Growth Plan; second, we will demonstrate the concrete results through success stories of citizens, businesses and institutions; and finally, in the third phase, we will evaluate our communication activities and adapt them according to your expectations and needs.
This Plan is not just about communication and visibility, it is a plan for trust and a shared European future. Today, we send a clear message that reforms are our common challenge and shared responsibility. The government should not step alone on the European path, but together with its citizens, with strong support and trust in the European Union and with a vision that goes beyond the current challenges.
The essence of this Plan is in communication, understanding and careful planning. Our goal is not only to inform, but also to inspire trust and active participation of everyone in the process of European integration. This trust is
