The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European Affairs, Bojan Maricik, at today's donor coordination conference organized by the Secretariat for European Affairs, presented the priorities in the implementation and rationalization of donor assistance to the country in order to focus on the implementation of reform priorities in support of European integration.

- In order to meet the development priorities of the country, these meetings are essential for effective coordination of development policies, said Maricik in his address, pointing out that continuous donor support provides comprehensive financial assistance to the Republic of North Macedonia, which monitors the needs for stabilization and accession to the European Union while helping to improve the quality and availability of the assistance to enhance the effectiveness of development cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister and National IPA Coordinator Maricik stressed that the coordination and harmonization of foreign assistance is an integral part of our preparations for accession to the European Union, adding that despite the degree of development, management and coordination of development assistance we have achieved, there are still challenges that can be overcome and rationalized, which require urgent attention, and further improvement of the functioning of the Sector Working Groups, improving communication with donors and streamlining and aligning with strategic donor planning.

At the donors' conference, Maricik expressed the expectation that the coordination mechanism based on a sectorial approach will contribute to providing a stronger focus and systematic efforts to achieve development priorities by creating synergies for increased effectiveness and efficiency in providing foreign aid, and at the same time, unnecessary duplication of efforts to be reduced to a minimum.

- I am aware of the fact that this approach requires strong commitment and attention from all parties involved, and therefore I appreciate your efforts to advance this mechanism, your initiative, your willingness to support, and your cooperation in establishing this renewed method of coordination. Speaking from the position of Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs, National IPA Coordinator, and National Foreign Assistance Coordinator, rest assured that the Government remains committed to providing all necessary resources and efforts to adopt this new approach and to work with you on a regular basis, Maricik said to the donor community.