Stronger and more resilient rest of the Western Balkans leads to stronger and more resilient Adriatic and Ionian macro region which ultimately leads to stronger and more resilient European Union and solid and sustainable cooperation will serve as a catalyst of these processes, Deputy PM for European Affairs Nikola Dimitrov said Thursday addressing the 5th Forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR).
“On the path to the EU, North Macedonia remains fully dedicated to strengthening regional cooperation with the rest of the Western Balkans. The path of cooperation is not only wise choice but it is the only right choice for the countries in the region and beyond in the fighting pandemic and in our endeavors to strengthen the resilience of every sector affected by the pandemic,” Dimitrov said addressing the online event on topic „Strengthening the resilience of the Adriatic and Ionian Region through cooperation.”
Throughout the years, he said, the support of the EU both in terms of reform and to financial assistance has been significant.
“In addition to the well-established instruments and mechanism for financial support, EU generously supported the significant part of COVID-19 counter measures within the rest of the Western Balkan countries earmarking EUR 3.3 billion of EU support COVID-19 package. The package considerably decreased the pressure on our national budgets,” he added.
“In the upcoming seven years, we expect extended and more targeted support with IPA III and in particular through established Economic and Investment Plan for the region. The EUR 9 billion assigned to the region in the frame of the of the economic and investment plan will further stimulate long term economic recovery, support sustainable connectivity, a green and digital transition, human capital, competitiveness and inclusive growth, foster regional integration and convergence with European Union, which will contribute to strengthening the region,” Dimitrov said.
European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira, Serbian Minister for European Integration Jadranka Joksimovikj and Slovenian FM Anže Logar also addressed the event.
The Republic of North Macedonia joined the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) in April 2020.
