The Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski, in a joint conference with the EU Ambassador, Michails Rokas, said that the Progress Report is not an assessment of a single year or a single government, but of the continuity of reform processes, the level of institutional maturity and the way the country responds to long-term European priorities.
The Prime Minister said that the most important thing to say from the outset is that the Government remains 100% in line with the European Union's common foreign and security policy, which is an important asset to the character of our mutual relations and to the level of our commitment to European values.
"The report notes that in some areas there is "some" or "limited progress". In particular, there are no areas of regression, and "good progress" is noted in four chapters. In one chapter, "Free movement of capital", the level of preparation has even increased, thanks to the merger with SEPA and the implementation of measures against money laundering and terrorist financing.
The Commission welcomes the steps taken in the economic sector, with a stable banking sector, moderate GDP growth, the adoption of the Law on Public Internal Control and the appointment of members of the Fiscal Council, measures that strengthen fiscal discipline and transparency.
"There are also positive assessments of digitalization, modernization of public administration, creation of electronic procurement systems and strengthening cybersecurity," said Mickoski.
He said the report also highlights challenges that the country must address with even greater urgency.
"There are challenges in the areas of the rule of law, judicial independence and the fight against corruption. Political polarization and insufficient cooperation between institutions remain obstacles that slow down the implementation of reforms."/Telegrafi/
