English
EU ambassador to Macedonia Michalis Rokas presented today the progress report on enlargement to Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. During the press conference, Rokas stated clearly today that Macedonia has made progress and that the progress report is better than last year’s.
“There is progress, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, research, science, and education; furthermore, we have already seen significant steps being taken regarding the rule of law. Many sound laws have been enacted, and a year later, yes, we see progress—that is clear. I must reiterate that this should be viewed as an annual exercise, and it is a fact that the country has already reached a good level of preparedness. Naturally, we wish to see even further progress,” said Rokas. Macedonia remains blocked from opening EU accession talks by Bulgaria, which demands national concessions.
Macedonia has also achieved a significant degree of alignment with EU legislation and remains one of the candidate countries with the highest level of preparedness. The report positively assesses the developments mentioned by the Prime Minister. Macedonia has stepped up its engagement regarding the EU Growth Plan, emerging as a frontrunner with strong results in the implementation of the Reform Agenda. We have observed progress, especially in digital transformation, science, and education—notably through the adoption of the Law on Electronic Communications. Nevertheless, it is important to distinguish between progress made under the Reform Agenda and the broader assessment contained in the report. “The enlargement report covers all areas of the relationship with the EU, where progress has been uneven,” said Rokas.
Prime Minister Mickoski expressed a similar view: the report is better than last year’s, though it does contain shortcomings—some of which have already been addressed. Since the report covers the period up to August 31, many laws have been adopted in the meantime, and two key pieces of legislation concerning the rule of law—the Criminal Code and the Law on Criminal Procedure—have also been prepared. Mickoski stated that the European Commission had released 142.1 million euros by June under the Reform Agenda. Rokas highlighted the Growth Plan as an opportunity for citizens to experience the benefits of European integration even before full membership.
“By June of this year, the European Commission had released 142.1 million euros under the Reform Agenda,” said Mickoski, presenting results he linked to the implementation of reforms.
Rokas noted that the country has intensified its engagement with the Growth Plan and has become a frontrunner in terms of results regarding the implementation of the Reform Agenda. He emphasized that the implementation of reforms should not be delayed. “There is no reason to wait to implement those reforms—from which citizens certainly benefit—that are part of the Growth Plan,” stated Rokas.