First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs Bekim Sali participated in the informal meeting of the General Affairs Council of the European Union, held in Dublin under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU. The enlargement session brought together EU Member State ministers and representatives of candidate countries and partners to discuss accelerating reforms and strengthening institutional capacity.
In his address, Sali stressed that enlargement is no longer only a political choice, but a geopolitical necessity and an investment in Europe’s security, stability and competitiveness. He underlined that North Macedonia remains firmly committed to European integration, reform delivery and full alignment with the values and policies of the European Union.
Reflecting on the country’s accession experience, Sali described the Stabilisation and Association Agreement as one of the principal anchors of North Macedonia’s European transformation, strengthening its legislation, economy and public administration. He noted, however, that the main challenge today is the effective implementation of reforms, particularly in the rule of law, the judiciary, the fight against corruption and public administration.
Sali welcomed Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos’s vision of a more ambitious model of gradual integration, enabling candidate countries to participate progressively in EU policies, programmes and parts of the Single Market before accession. He emphasised that gradual integration should accelerate preparations, deliver concrete benefits for citizens and businesses and strengthen confidence in the process, while full EU membership remains the ultimate objective.
In this context, Sali called for better coordinated support from Member States through direct expertise, TAIEX, Twinning and longer-term engagement of European experts within national institutions. He stressed that the accession process must remain fair, predictable and merit-based, ensuring that results and difficult political decisions are followed by tangible progress.
“North Macedonia has chosen Europe. We are ready to do our part, and we expect commitment, reforms and results to be recognised with progress. Investing in our capacity is an investment in a future Member State and in a stronger Europe,” Sali stated.
