Osmani: Administration needs to prepare on possible EU accession negotiations

The status of implementation of reforms in key areas included in Plan 3-6-9 and new potentials in line with messages in the new EC Enlargement Strategy for Western Balkans by 2025 was discussed at the 38th session of the Working Committee for European Affairs chaired by Deputy PM for European Affairs Bujar Osmani held Thursday in the government.

We have received significantly positive messages by EC which validate the progress made so far in reform implementation and country’s preparation to advance in European integration, Osmani said, adding that EC sent clear message that Macedonia should expect clean recommendation to open negotiations in the next report, but in accordance with removal of the political obstacles, decision by the Council of the EU to start negotiations.

Osmani highlighted the responsibility and the role of the members of the Working Committee for European Affairs for the focus of entire administration towards proposed reforms, underlining that 2018 is the most important year for country’s European integration, period in which series of events will follow through which we should build our position for EU membership, Osmani’s Office said in a press release.

He said that the start of EU accession talks becomes a reality for the Republic of Macedonia and besides the Secretariat for European Affairs as the leader of eventual negotiation process also the entire administration needs to prepare the capacities for transformation of the state and society towards European rules, standards and values, reads the press release.

In this context, Osmani announced strengthened monitoring through mechanism to oversee and coordinate the reforms, but also frequent meetings of the Working Committee for European Affairs.

The Working Committee for European Affairs is highest administrative body of the government including members as state secretaries of the ministries, the presidents of the subcommittees, the heads of the working groups, Government’s Secretary General as well as the administration of the Secretariat for European Affairs.