EU urges North Macedonia to strengthen minority language protections

Member of the European Parliament and member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), Željana Zovko, successfully integrated her amendments into the report on North Macedonia, which was adopted by the Committee on Foreign Affairs, CE Report quotes FENA.

The committee adopted Zovko’s amendment calling on North Macedonia to provide sufficient funds and staff for the operation of the Language Implementation Agency and the Agency for the Realization of Community Rights. Another adopted amendment expresses regret that North Macedonia has not yet ratified the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, the European People’s Party press office reported.

AFET also included an amendment welcoming North Macedonia’s participation in EU crisis management military operations, including the EUFOR Althea mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Another amendment praises North Macedonia’s strong determination to combat hybrid threats and its decision to establish a national strategic framework to fight disinformation.

Zovko also included an amendment calling on North Macedonia to guarantee quality education for children with disabilities.

The committee also adopted amendments calling on North Macedonia to further align its drug legislation with EU acquis, as well as to intensify efforts to combat money laundering.