Skopje, 15 September 2026 – Skopje is hosting the Cross-Regional Meeting of Chief Negotiators and Senior Officials Responsible for European Integration, hosted by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs Bekim Sali. The meeting brings together representatives from the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, alongside representatives of the European Union and international partners.
Discussions focus on the future of EU enlargement, the next Multiannual Financial Framework, and accelerating alignment with EU legislation through more effective cooperation between governments and parliaments.
In his message, Sali emphasises that enlargement is a strategic investment in Europe’s security, stability and prosperity. He underlines that commitment to reforms should be matched by a credible and predictable accession process in which progress is assessed on merit.
Particular attention is given to gradual integration and opportunities for citizens and businesses to benefit from closer ties with the EU before accession. In this context, the next Multiannual Financial Framework offers an important opportunity to support reforms, strengthen institutions and advance economic convergence.
Discussions also address the role of parliaments in European integration, the need for early coordination in preparing legislation, and the importance of parliamentary oversight for the quality and implementation of reforms.
The meeting aims to strengthen the exchange of experience and practical cooperation among institutions leading European integration, while identifying areas for further cross-regional cooperation.
Minister Sali expresses his appreciation to participants and partners, with particular thanks to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and GIZ for supporting the organisation of the meeting and for their continued support for the European integration process.
