PM Zaev meets MEPs Bostinaru, Fajon and Picula


Unreserved support for Macedonia’s EU integration bid was expressed Thursday at a meeting of Prime Minister Zoran Zaev with members of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) in the European Parliament, Victor Bostinaru, Tanja Fajon and Tonino Picula.

The MEPs urged PM Zaev, the government and all political stakeholders in Macedonia to settle issues standing in the way of the country to meet the crucial objective, the government’s press service said.

Bostinaru, Fajon and Picula called the reform process in the country conducted in the past few months ‘of vital importance’ after the political crisis had been overcome ‘wisely’. They also commended the integrative policies of PM Zaev and the government, involving inter-ethnic relations and political ties, focused on building one society for all, which was in line with European values.

It was also concluded that NATO membership was of great importance for Macedonia. It guarantees stability, economic progress and security and stability is what the European Union needs, the interlocutors said.

“We have implemented two-thirds of the 3-6-9 Plan of reforms all the while promoting policies of friendship both at home and across the region. We expect these steps of the government to result in lifting the conditions for a recommendation to start negotiations with the EU and in securing a date for opening of accession talks. They also pave the way for NATO perspectives. We have support from the international community and S&D’s support has been and remains vital for Macedonia,” Zaev said.

According to him, the meeting with MEPs Bostinaru, Fajon and Picula sends an important message and affirmation that the citizens of Macedonia have support to meet the strategic goals that lead toward progress, stated the press release.