The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs, Bekim Sali, held a meeting today with the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, during which key issues related to North Macedonia’s European Union accession process, migration management, border security, and the fight against organized crime were discussed.
The meeting reaffirmed the Government’s strong commitment to continuing reforms under the “Fundamentals” cluster, with particular emphasis on the rule of law, public administration reform, and the protection of fundamental rights. Minister Sali underlined the country’s dedication to fulfilling the opening benchmarks and maintaining reform momentum.
Special attention was given to the implementation of the European Union Entry and Exit System and its impact on professional drivers from the region. Minister Sali stressed the need for a pragmatic and proportionate solution that would safeguard economic stability and ensure the smooth functioning of supply chains, taking into account that North Macedonia is a landlocked country fully dependent on road transport.
In the area of migration and border management, it was emphasized that North Macedonia remains a reliable partner of the European Union, ensuring full implementation of the Status Agreement with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency and active participation in joint operations.
Both interlocutors reaffirmed the importance of deepening cooperation in the fight against organized crime, drug trafficking, and migrant smuggling, as well as strengthening information exchange and operational coordination.
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs Bekim Sali reiterated North Macedonia’s commitment to full alignment with European standards and to advancing institutional cooperation on the path toward full membership in the European Union.
