News
News Published: 21 March 2023
EUAA and North Macedonian senior officials meet to define strategic objectives for continued support
The Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), Ms. Nina GREGORI, welcomed a delegation from North Macedonia led by Mr. Sasho SMILESKI. The Delegations held a strategic discussion on avenues for continued cooperation in the fields of asylum and reception.
During a two-days meeting, the EUAA and North Macedonian delegations discussed the implementation and evaluation of the 2nd Roadmap for Cooperation, which ran from October 2020 to September 2022. The main results occurred in the field of asylum, where our cooperation led to improved registration and examination of asylum claims, despite taking place against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The EUAA and North Macedonia delegation also held a strategic discussion around key priorities for cooperation under the 3rd generation Roadmap to be implemented between 2023 to 2025. The delegations agreed to continue and further intensify the cooperation aimed at strengthening the country’s asylum system and procedures, including with regard to the assessments of the best interest of children, in line with the Common European Asylum System.
Background
The EUAA is currently implementing six roadmaps with Europe’s Western Balkans partners, namely Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo , and Montenegro. The roadmaps enable effective cooperation with Third Countries by providing a clear structure and intervention logic, while being adaptable to changing needs and priorities.
As part of the pre-accession process, the EUAA’s work with the Western Balkans is geared towards preparing the national authorities for their possible participation in the Common European Asylum System, and their gradual integration into EU institutional structures, such as the Agency itself.