First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs Bekim Sali met in Brussels with the President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Séamus Boland. The meeting focused on the role of civil society and social partners in North Macedonia’s accession to the European Union (EU).
Sali stressed that European reforms should address people’s everyday needs, including employment, social protection, economic opportunities and the quality of public services. The participation of employers, trade unions and civil society organisations helps make reforms more transparent, inclusive and sustainable.
The Minister welcomed the EESC’s Enlargement Candidate Members initiative, which involves representatives from candidate countries in its advisory work, describing it as a concrete example of gradual integration before accession. This participation enables exchanges of experience and contributions to discussions on European policies.
Sali expressed interest in regular exchanges between the Ministry for European Affairs and the Committee, as well as thematic cooperation on skills, employment, competitiveness and social inclusion. He underlined that dialogue with citizens and social partners is essential to strengthening public trust in the European integration process.
