News
Journalists from leading European media meeting the Deputy Prime Minister Ademi
4/4/2017 14:25
Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the
Republic of Macedonia in charge of European Affairs, Arbër Ademi PhD today had
a meeting with a group of journalists from several EU Member States at the
Secretariat for European Affairs.
Deputy Prime Minister Ademi briefed
the journalists with the overall EU accession process of the Republic of
Macedonia, and referred to the country's relations with the European Union,
emphasiзing that our country was first in the
region to start the European integration process over than 20 years ago that
has resulted in profound changes in the political system and the economic
environment. He also said that Macedonia has been a candidate country for 13
years, having 8 consecutive recommendations by the European Commission to the
EU Council to start accession negotiations.
"Since its independence Macedonia
is committed to the strategic goal of Euro-Atlantic integration. The support of
over 70% of the population, for us, politicians, is an obligation to continue with our dedicated work on our path
towards the EU,"Ademi said.
Deputy
Prime Minister also referred to the current political situation in the country,
noting that despite the political turbulence, the country still deserves to
start accession negotiations in order to maintain focus and ensure further
progress of reforms in key areas. The recent visits of President Tusk, High
Representative Mogherini and Commissioner Hahn are a positive signal for our
European perspective, but also a clear direction for the democratic way out of
the crisis. In order to be able to continue its European path, Macedonia needs
a decision of the Council to start negotiations, so that our country can move
forward.
"We are completely aware that the EU
currently faces many challenges, but maybe we should keep in mind that the
integration of the Western Balkan countries will contribute to deal with
them. Proof of this is the role of
Macedonia in the migrant crisis especially after the closure of the so-called
Western Balkans route which showed that we can meet the expectations of our
partners."
The visit of
journalists coming from leading European media is a common practice, organised by the Directorate for Enlargement, and besides
the Republic of Macedonia, they are visiting a number of countries in the
region.
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