Zaev-Tajani: Reforms in Macedonia yield visible results

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev met Wednesday in Brussels with European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, expressing Macedonia’s satisfaction from the continual support and the enlargement policy promoted by the EP majority.

“The European Parliament was the first EU institution that offered its mediation services amid Macedonia’s political crisis, and continues to be one of the Government’s best partners in the country’s interest”, said PM Zaev and added that similar reception is expected for the latest initiative dubbed “Jean Monnet”.

Zaev briefed Tajani with the Government’s main objective – to make 2018 a year of success for Macedonia through the adoption of a decision over the start of EU accession talks, the Government said in a press release.

“Our approach in politics, both domestic and international, has no hidden agendas and solves all issues, easy or difficult, through sincerity. We are pleased that our ambition and preparedness for real steps in the EU accession process overlaps with the renewed impulse and interest for EU enlargement”, said Zaev.

He stressed, “now is the time to use these efforts so that the EU Council adopts a decision over the start of accession negotiations in the first half of 2018, recommended by the European Commission.”

PM Zaev added that the Government possessed the commitment and energy to deliver results.

“Real results of reforms are our argument, our ticket, without which we cannot expect the start of accession talks. We are investing efforts into re-establishing Macedonia as a credible partner of our international friends”, he said.

EP President Tajani congratulated Macedonia on the initiated reform process, which is already yielding results. He voiced expectation that the new EU enlargement strategy would send a clear message that Macedonia and other countries of the Western Balkans are among its priorities.

Tajani said cooperation between the EP and the Macedonian Parliament would intensify, accompanied by motivating EU investors to consider the country’s business opportunities, reads the press release.

The meeting was also attended by Vice Premier for European Affairs Bujar Osmani and Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov.