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Mickoski received the EC Report: A realistic picture, no deviation from the reforms

by AI | 31.Oct 2024 | Europe in brief AI

A person must realistically approach things and realistically talk about the common challenges that lie ahead for us as a country. Even without this report, as the head of the Government, I know that citizens are living hard lives and that we need significant steps forward, key reforms, and what for me may represent a key priority – the fight against corruption. Nevertheless, it is good when quantification is achieved and a realistic picture of the situation is gained, said Mickoski.

Press conference of the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski (d) and the head of the EU Delegation in Skopje, Michalis Rokas after the handover of the EC Report on the country's progress on the European path for 2024. Photo: MIA

Skopje – The state will not retreat from the reforms, and although citizens are weary of the entire process and unjustly we are in the EU waiting room, the only strategic goal for all remains membership in the European Union, said Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, after receiving copies of the European Commission’s Report on North Macedonia for 2024 from the Euro Ambassador Mihalis Rokas this afternoon.

At a joint press conference with Euro Ambassador Rokas after receiving the copy of the Report, Mickoski assessed that the document provides a realistic picture of the conditions and the overall readiness of the country in achieving European rules and standards.

– One must realistically approach matters and realistically discuss the common challenges we face as a state. Even without this report, as the head of the Government, I know that citizens live hard and that we need significant steps forward, key reforms and what perhaps represents a key priority for me – the fight against corruption. Still, it is good when quantification and a real picture of the conditions are obtained, said Mickoski.

He emphasized that he is encouraged by the fact that the European Commission recognizes the efforts of his Government to fight against corruption, which, as he pointed out, was not the case in the previous report.

– We have no time to lose. We all expect a lot more work, because the reforms and the European path are a long-term and comprehensive process. Therefore, I assure you that we, as the new Government, are working intensively and dedicatedly to improve conditions in all areas, especially in those areas of living where the problems and weaknesses of the system are greatest, said Mickoski, emphasizing that there will be no deviation from the reforms, because they are the only way to improve the lives of citizens and strengthen Macedonia’s file on the path to EU membership.

The Euro Ambassador Rokas, for his part, emphasized that it is important that there is no record of backsliding in this Report and pointed out that together with the Government’s representatives, they will dedicate themselves to achieving greater progress.

– The report comes at a good moment, just one week after the adoption of the reform agenda by the European Commission and following the visit and the president (of the EC, Ursula) von der Leyen, who reminded that this is an excellent reform agenda. Now we have a complete picture of what the Government has approved and we have the Progress Report. This can be a platform on which we can work together in the coming year, said Rokas. (October 30)