Accelerating North Macedonia’s integration into the EU is key, Matthew Palmer, US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, told a video conference on the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Balkans, organized by the Green House Davos, a Greek non-profit organization.

The US, said Palmer, strives for peaceful, stable and prosperous Western Balkans in the EU and the United States and the EU are partners in promoting stability and fight against corruption in the region, Voice of America in Macedonian reports.

The Greek non-profit organization said Palmer, whose responsibility includes the Western Balkans and the Aegean, stressed the importance of improved relations between Serbia and Kosovo and accelerating North Macedonia’s efforts to join the EU. It also said the Department of State official pointed out the importance of Greece as a player in the region and beyond in the Mediterranean.

The event brought together regional leaders and ambassadors, including Montenegrin Foreign Minister Djordje Radulovic and Kosovo PM Albin Kurti. Participants also discussed the need for increased political accountability post-pandemic by protecting the independence of judicial system and for increased engagement of young people in politics.