Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs, Fatmir Besimi PhD today (21.09.2015) paid a working visit to Brussels. During the visit, Besimi had a meeting with the Director of the Directorate for Enlargement of the European Union, Christian Danielsson and attended a briefing about the forthcoming Progress Report on Macedonia.

They discussed the recent developments in the country at the meeting, since the political agreement, the implementation of the draft plan on realisation of urgent reform priorities, as well as impressions of the High Level Accession Dialogue that took place in Skopje last week.

Besimi emphasised the role of the European Commission as a strategic partner of the country in the process of European integration and stressed that now, more than ever, we need a decision from the Council that would give a clear EU perspective for the country and a decision to open accession negotiations or in Chapters 23 and 24 at this stage.

During the conversation, Besimi highlighted the key achievements and the implementation of the European agenda reforms, especially in the areas of judiciary, fight against corruption and organised crime, freedom of expression, electoral reform, fundamental rights and inter ethnic relations, as well as the area of economic criteria.

Regarding the current migrant situation, it was pointed out that the inclusion of the Western Balkans in the single EU approach towards migrant crisis is essential, since the countries, including Macedonia, are transit routes for migrants and therefore need the support of the Union. In this regard, Besimi welcomed the visit of the Commissioner Hahn on the southern border saying it is a strong signal for us but also for the EU to find a solution to this historic challenge for the entire EU system.