North Macedonia: Sali says gradual EU integration must bring concrete benefits to citizens

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs Bekim Sali met European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos in Brussels during a working visit. The talks covered North Macedonia's European perspective, the EU's enlargement policy, implementation of the Reform Agenda, and opportunities for gradual integration into European policies and programmes.

Sali welcomed the European Commission's communication “Preparing for a Wider Union” and stressed the importance of a more predictable enlargement process based on merit and measurable results. He said European integration must not remain only a political expectation, and that reforms should create concrete opportunities for citizens, the economy and businesses.

The meeting also addressed the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the Reform Agenda. Sali reaffirmed commitment to reforms in the rule of law, public administration, digitalisation, energy and economic competitiveness. Concrete benefits discussed included joining the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), a possible extension of the “roam like at home” model and cooperation on digital transformation. Sali also highlighted the importance of the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, which is expected to provide stable and predictable support to candidate countries.