The Ministerial Council of transport and infrastructure ministers from the Western Balkans, along with representatives from Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine, converged in Skopje with a core focus on enhancing regional cooperation for a joint market and EU integration. Minister Bochvarski highlighted the pivotal role of transport and trade in fostering this integration.

Bochvarski emphasized North Macedonia’s strides in aligning with EU transport laws, notably completing screenings for Chapter 14: Transport Policy and Chapter 21: Trans-European Networks. He spotlighted advancements in the railway system, citing legislation enabling market liberalization and significant investments in main corridors traversing North Macedonia.

Specifically, Bochvarski detailed ongoing and planned initiatives, including railway developments along Corridor VIII and Corridor X highway sections. He underscored the substantial investments and rehabilitation efforts, showcasing the commitment to bolstering infrastructure.

Mona Bjorklund from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport underscored the significance of the meeting within the EU’s broader context. She referenced the recent adoption of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, aimed at extending EU membership benefits to the region and fostering economic growth.

While acknowledging the efforts of participating countries, Bjorklund highlighted the considerable remaining work to implement three-quarters of the EU transport standards in the region, urging an acceleration of these endeavors.

Matej Zakonjšek, Director of Transport Community, stressed the need for a dual focus on both projects and policy reforms to ensure substantial and enduring progress. He emphasized the collective effort toward enhancing connectivity within the EU, especially in a time marked by global instability and conflicts. Zakonjšek advocated for concerted efforts to enhance functionality across Europe.