It’s high time the EU delivered to North Macedonia, keeping its promise to start negotiations once the country fulfills all requirements. It’s high time for good news and progress on the European path for the whole region, said Macedonian Deputy PM for European Affairs Nikola Dimitrov.
Dimitrov took part Friday in the Western Balkans Summit in Vienna, at the level of European Affairs Ministers, hosted by Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.
According to Dimitrov, the new methodology for accession negotiations can bring new dynamics and greater credibility to the accession process only if it is properly implemented, which requires the mutual commitment both of candidate countries and the EU.
“We must not forget the basic rule that the accession process is two-sided and implies delivery on both sides,” said the Deputy PM.
The summit is focused on exchanging views on the EU enlargement process, discussing the challenges in the region’s accession process in light of the new negotiation methodology, the use of funds from the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans and the EU’s strategic communication with the region, the Secretariat for European Affairs said in a press release.
Dimitrov noted that the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans is a recognition by the EU that it needs to do more for the region to sustain the Europeanization process, as a helping hand for fundamental reforms, swift implementation and regional economic integration.
He pointed out that the partnership to face global challenges is also important in improving strategic communication, but it is all based on how much citizens can trust the words of Brussels and the EU capitals.
“The participation of the citizens in the region in the Conference on the Future of Europe will be more than a political signal. It’s particularly important to include the young generations – the future of Europe,” said Dimitrov.
He added that the EU has nothing to lose, but there’s much to be gained by involving all citizens of the European continent in this pan-European platform for democracy and the future.
