On Thursday, EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas presented the EC’s Report on North Macedonia to PM Hristijan Mickoski. In relation to that, they also held a joint press-conference. As the former pointed out, compared to last year, some progress has been made.
“However, this underlines the need for renewed effort and commitment across the political spectrum”, the Ambassador noted.
Nonetheless, after he’d praised North Macedonia’s commitment to the EU path, he talked about the part of the Report concerning key areas without progress.
“There has been no progress on judicial reforms and the fight against corruption. This remains essential. These are not just benchmarks. They are the foundation for citizens’ trust and for the country’s European future. So, for the third year in a row, in these areas, we have no significant progress. Yet, this is precisely where renewed commitment can make the greatest difference. Ensuring the independence and financial autonomy of the judiciary, free from interference, will be key to restoring public trust and moving reforms forward”, the EU Ambassador stressed.
The PM, on his part, started presenting the Report from the parts where the country had certain or limited progress out of the total of 33 chapters on the basis of which the reform implementation is assessed.
In that regard, he stated that there had even been good progress when it came to free movement of capital.
When it comes to the areas where no or limited progress has been noted, including the rule of law, independence of the judiciary, and the fight against corruption, he referred to them as challenges. In that regard, Mickoski talked about measures planned by the government to take from that point on to change the status quo in said areas.
Though the PM didn’t refer to the constitutional changes, Ambassador Rokas reiterated the EU’s expectation about the obligation assumed by the country.