At today’s press conference focused on cooperation with the EU in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Bujar Osmani stressed that last night good news came from Brussels concerning the start of negotiations between North Macedonia and the EU.
“Late in the night we received information from Brussels that, under current uncommon conditions, representatives from 27 member-states have reached a unanimous consensus to open accession negotiations with North Macedonia. Finally, after 15 years and after all differences, we are opening the negotiations”, said Osmani.
The positive news comes after the meeting of permanent representatives from EU member-states that also included discussion on the enlargement. Osmani shared his expectation that the decision will be confirmed today and should be endorsed by the Ministers for European Affairs, on 24 March, and at the Summit, on 26 March.
In continuation, Osmani presented a part of initial measures which in a letter, on behalf of the Government, he has addressed to the European Commission, i.e. Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varehyi:
- the country’s involvement in the European Solidarity Fund for Natural Disasters which, on request from the European Commission, will be expanded to combat consequences from the coronavirus and which, in addition to member-states, is now open to countries that are negating for EU membership;
- the so-called Performance Award, in the amount of 50 million euros, awarded to the country due to successful implementation of IPA funds, will be reallocated in support to addressing challenges from the pandemic instead of the initially planned priorities.
In addition to participation in the Union’s programmes and measures, Osmani shared with the public that he would request the European Commission to exclude the country from any restrictions on the EU single market, notably those concerning medical supplies and equipment.