The third consecutive debate of the debate cycle EU Talks took place in the premises of the Secretariat for European Affairs, which is part of the EU Agenda realised by the Secretariat in 2015. The debate was on topic "Equality between men and women, perspectives and challenges".

For the first time in the debates EU Talks eminent guest from the European Union was invited, a representative of the European Parliament, so that the present guests on the debate today had the honour to exchange opinions with Mrs. Ana Zaborska, long-time MEP and member of the Committee for women rights and gender equality.

Representatives of the civil sector, the Committee for equal opportunities, the Ambassador of France, Mrs Auer, representatives of ministries, the President of the Chambers of Commerce of Macedonia, university professors and representatives of the Model of European Parliament- Macedonia took the floor during the event today.

The Deputy Prime Minister of the Government in charge of European Affairs, Fatmir Besimi, PhD, had introductory address on the debate, which was chaired by the State Secretary of the Secretariat for European Affairs, Mrs. Blazheska.

The participants expressed the importance of respecting gender equality and the importance of the topic in the Republic of Macedonia, in the European Union and the Member States.

The significant number of regulations adopted so far and their importance were stressed, as well as the need for further work and improvement, especially in the area of combating prejudices, adoption of measures for increasing the means which will contribute toward institutional and economic strengthening of the woman, increase of the percentage of women on managing positions, increase of the women participation in the political life, promotion of the conditions to achieve balance between the professional and private life of the woman, fighting domestic violence, as well as the need of presenting the woman in a different story by the media.

The Secretariat for European Affairs will continue the debate cycle EU Talks in order to achieve better transparency and inclusiveness in the process of European integration of the Republic of Macedonia.