First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs Bekim Sali participated in the Western Balkans Conference in Vienna at the invitation of Austria’s Minister for Europe, Integration and Family, Claudia Bauer.
In discussions on the future of the Western Balkans, Minister Sali stressed that enlargement should bring visible benefits to citizens even before membership. He placed particular emphasis on young people and the need to expand opportunities for education, vocational training, traineeships, research and exchanges with European partners.
“For our young people, the European future must mean real opportunities to learn, develop their skills and build their future in their own country,” Sali said.
Addressing gradual integration, the Minister pointed to easier trade through Green Lanes, participation in SEPA and digital cooperation as examples of the practical benefits that closer ties with the European Union can bring to citizens and businesses. He emphasised that broader participation in EU programmes, policies and the Single Market should be based on clear criteria, implemented reforms and respect for the rule of law.
Minister Sali reaffirmed North Macedonia’s full commitment to reform and EU membership. He also called for enlargement to remain a fair and predictable process in which the progress achieved by candidate countries is assessed against objective European criteria.
Sali thanked Austria for organising the conference and for its continued support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans.
