The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European Affairs dr. FatmirBesimi is on a visit to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which from July will assume the presidency of the EU Council. The Deputy Prime Minister had meetings with the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Mr Jean Asselborn and the President of the Committee for Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Cooperation and Immigration Mr Marc Angel.

Deputy Prime Minister Besimi emphasized the necessity of European integration to the countries of the Western Balkans as the only guarantee of stability and prosperity in the region. In this regard, he expressed the need and expectation that the enlargement process of the European Union, among other current priorities, will be found in high standing on the agenda of the forthcoming Luxembourg presidency of the EU Council.

Deputy Prime Minister Besimi sought support from Luxembourg also directly for Macedonia, especially in these times in which we are faced with serious challenges, which will have an impact on the EU integration process, and whose untimely, non-inclusive and inadequate resolution might lead towards the disruption of stability, including potential interethnic tensions.

In addition, he saluted the discussion on the political situation and the adoption of Conclusions on the Republic of Macedonia by the EU Council, which illustrate the interest of the member states to keep the Republic of Macedonia on its path towards the EU. On our part, the conclusions are understood as guidelines to focus on the key priorities that need to be implemented in order to overcome the current situation.

The citizens of the Republic of Macedonia continue to believe in the European Union in high percentages. However the dissatisfaction from the prolongation of the process is starting to be noticed, which leads to the reduction of the credibility of the process- stated Besimi in seeking support for starting the long awaited accession process to the EU, whilst the solution to the name issue should be sought in the early stages of the negotiations.

In conclusion he stated that despite all the circumstances and difficulties which face the Republic of Macedonia, the Government and the administration dedicate continuous efforts towards focusing the reform process and generating positive signals in key areas.

The interlocutors, on the other hand, presented the key points of the programme and priorities of the Luxembourg presidency of the EU Council, including their plans for holding the next meeting of the Council for Stabilisation and Association. They also notified of a potential informal meeting of the EU Council on general affairs in the presence of the ministers of European affairs of the countries of the Western Balkans.

The interlocutors also emphasized that Luxembourg supports the enlargement process as one of the pillars of the EU, which they regard as the basis of positive change in the candidate countries. In this regard they stated their unreserved support for the aspirations of RM towards EU integration, while also expressing concern that besides the name issue which until recently was regarded as the only obstacle, additional obstacles have arisen towards EU integration, among which the current political situation in the country and the deterioration in several key areas were emphasized, generating a bad international reputation. They expressed hope that these challenges will be overcome through constructive and inclusive dialogue.

At the end of the meeting, Minister Asselborn affirmed that Luxembourg remains open further for regular communication on a high political level, which will continue during their presidency of the EU Council.