We all want to see the opening of negotiations as soon as possible, but we must keep our heads clean. The basics have not changed, the commitments from Thessaloniki are clear and alive. The Western Balkans region is part of Europe, its past, present and future are linked to the EU and it is logical that its future is in the EU. Let's not forget, that is a strategic goal of the EU, said today the EU Ambassador David Gere, at the first Skopje Economic Forum.

The efforts of the EU presidency to overcome the current situation, said Gere, have done significant work and now, he stressed, we should all remain engaged.

- Since we always call on governments to solve problems bilaterally, we should also acknowledge the sincere efforts that have been made in the past. Progress has been made, but work must continue, as soon as possible, and the task will now pass to the Slovenian Presidency to move forward and resolve this issue, in order to open negotiations as soon as possible. said Gere.

This, Gere stressed, should not affect the reforms, because the path to the EU is a path of reforms and with their implementation first - Northern Macedonia further approaches the EU and second - with the opening of negotiations every reform undertaken paves the way for full membership shorter.

- The reforms are not only in the interest of the EU, but also in the interest of the citizens, for a more secure, prosperous and democratic country, as well as for preventing the outflow of young people. No country can afford not to continue with the reforms in this world, where we have a green revolution and jobs need to be adapted to current needs, where we need to make more use of digital opportunities and integrate economies into the EU economy. pointed out Gere.

Northern Macedonia, the EU Ambassador continued, has made significant progress in reforms such as the rule of law, the fight against corruption, democracy and good neighborly relations.

- The European Union is here and I invite you to visit any town or village in the country and you will see the support for the EU, in almost every sector. We are here and will continue to support. More than 100m euros in aid are spent annually to support reform processes in northern Macedonia. When the EU developed a pandemic recovery plan, it included the Western Balkans, putting on the table an economic and investment plan for the region's recovery, andsaid Gere.

Economic figures, he stressed, show how great the interconnectedness is.

- About 68 percent of the region's trade is with the EU, as well as 60 percent of foreign direct investment, pointed out Gere