European Commission chief praises North Macedonia's ‘outstanding job’ on accession reforms

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) – The European Commission chief on Thursday praised North Macedonia's “outstanding job” on its reform agenda under the Growth Plan, aimed at joining the European bloc.

“North Macedonia has come a long way. It has shown determination in every step. I want to praise North Macedonia and pay tribute to its people. Now, the work must continue. I also want to pay tribute to the fact that North Macedonia is %100 aligned with the European Union's common foreign and security policy,” said Ursala von der Leyen.

Von der Leyen is currently on a tour to the Western Balkans.

“We have a very clear goal in sight. It is to open the fundamental clusters as soon as possible. We are almost there. It is about the constitutional change. We need joint cooperation and dialogue. I hope that all political forces in the country will come together to take a decisive step forward. I am convinced that we can overcome the obstacles that are still there,” she said.

She added that North Macedonia would benefit from €750 million ($810.16 million) in additional EU investments with the first installment to be released by the end of the year.

“North Macedonia has done an outstanding job on its reform agenda under the Growth Plan,” the European Commission president said.

Bulgaria has been obstructing North Macedonia’s EU accession efforts, accusing it of disregarding historical and cultural ties. Sofia’s demands include the recognition that the Macedonian language is derived from Bulgarian and the acknowledgment of a Bulgarian minority in North Macedonia.

Von der Leyen is expected to visit Bosnia-Herzegovina later in the day and Serbia on Friday.