The President of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, Branko Azeski, participated in the European Union Enlargement Debate organized by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), which brought together more than 500 representatives of EU institutions, the business community, social partners, and civil society organizations from EU Member States and candidate countries.

The high-level debate was opened by EESC President Séamus Boland and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, who emphasized in her address that enlargement remains one of the European Union's key strategic priorities, with particular focus on security, economic growth, the preparedness of candidate countries, and social cohesion.

In his remarks, Azeski stressed that he was participating in the debate as a representative of the Western Balkan private sector. He pointed out that, according to recent surveys, more than 90% of companies in the region consider corruption, the informal economy, and inefficient public administration to remain among the greatest obstacles to business development. He also highlighted the challenges posed by underdeveloped gas and transport infrastructure, as well as the need for a more effective rule of law as essential prerequisites for accelerating both economic development and the region's EU integration.

Azeski underlined that the integration of the Western Balkans must be accompanied by concrete reforms that will create a predictable business environment, strengthen the competitiveness of companies, and enable faster integration into the EU Single Market.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is an advisory body of the European Union representing employers, trade unions, and other civil society organizations, ensuring that their views are reflected in the EU policymaking process.