Zaev: I believe that good economic cooperation lies between BiH and Macedonia

Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev gave an interview to Euromanager in which he spoke about current political relations in the region, relations with BiH, his recent visit to our country, the Adriatic Charter held in Podgorica, the political situation in Macedonia, and his country's European and NATO path…

Zoran Zaev is a positive, bright spot, a rising leader who knows what he wants and what he can do. And he can do a lot, because, above all, he is a man on a path of uncompromising struggle for justice and citizens' rights.

EUROMANAGER: There were (many say unnecessary) problems regarding the mandate for the Prime Minister of the Government. Now that is in the past...

ZAEV: Yes, that's right... It is very important that we rose above the problems, as citizens, as politicians, as institutions, and as a state, and that we put the Republic of Macedonia on a democratic path. We formed a parliamentary majority in a democratic manner, in accordance with the Constitution and laws. The problem was that the previous government took time to accept that the transfer of power would happen, because the majority of citizens decided so. We took careful and responsible steps towards what was inevitable, the change in the Republic of Macedonia, because that is the will of the majority of citizens.

EUROMANAGER: Now, hopefully, everyone has learned certain lessons and messages?

ZAEV: I am convinced that we have all learned a lesson from what happened in the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia and emerged more mature from the crisis that endangered the lives of MPs and journalists, and could have endangered the stability and security of all citizens and the Republic of Macedonia. Political interests are one thing, but it is up to politicians to primarily take care of citizens' interests. This requires independent institutions that will not depend on the control of any political party. The new Government of the Republic of Macedonia is building such a civic Macedonia, and it is our future, both for the people and for the state.

EUROMANAGER: Regardless of the complex circumstances in the country, you believed in the future and saw the light at the end of the tunnel?

ZAEV: Yes, I was looking at the bright spot at the end of the tunnel the whole time, that Macedonia must be a democratic country of free people and an integrated state in the EU and NATO, not a regime that keeps citizens in isolation. Every obstacle on the path, every blockade, was difficult, and it is not entirely overcome even today, but everything is easier when there is focus, where we are going. We are focused on Euro-Atlantic integration and the quality of life of citizens, carefully, diligently, and responsibly, for the interests of citizens and the state, we are taking steps forward, I think this is visible in the country, in the region, and in the world.

EUROMANAGER: How is the Government of Macedonia functioning at the moment?

ZAEV: Motivated. The reconstruction of the state is one challenge. The reconstruction of destroyed moral and ethical values is another challenge. The processes are parallel, but there is great driving energy because the new government has opened up widely for cooperation with all individuals, groups, the civic sector, political entities, towards neighbors, towards friends, EU and NATO member states that recognize our sincere intentions to move the country forward and contribute to collective progress. We are creating a country of opportunities from the Republic of Macedonia. The responsibility is great, but the joy for every step taken forward, whether small or large, is even greater.

EUROMANAGER: Does this mean that the political situation in Macedonia has stabilized?

ZAEV: The stability and security of citizens and the state are the highest priority of the government, which works on an inclusive basis. Democracy is a process, and we are aware that it will take time for the country to fully stabilize, at the political and social levels. The principle of including everyone in this development process relaxes relations between citizens who are tired of years of tension and pressure, which, we hope, are behind us.

EUROMANAGER: Mr. Zaev, in the short time you have been leading the Macedonian government, you have brought freshness, optimism, and positive energy to these Balkan regions, especially when it comes to regional cooperation and the economy?

ZAEV: I strongly believe in togetherness as a concept. From a deep political crisis, the Republic of Macedonia has drawn the commitment of its citizens to stand together against evil. And when they ask me how we managed to break through the regime, I say with all my heart, "together." The same applies to regional cooperation. When you love people, when you are determined to move forward, it is easier to hold hands than to go alone. The energy that is felt is a sincere belief that this region of ours can be a fertile piece of land for all citizens in these areas. I am pleased that states are led by politicians with broad horizons, free from the past, who look to the future. I think we have all recognized the moment and will not miss it, to ensure a good life for our citizens through Euro-Atlantic integration, a life they deserve.

We are dedicated to economic and social stabilization internally and to Euro-Atlantic perspectives internationally. When citizens are existentially stable, they work and act freely, social development is important to them, which in turn depends on their individual and professional development, and even family peace. This is a cycle that, when it starts to turn, yields results. This requires political will, we have strong political and personal will, as people, as citizens of this country who have been honored to lead this country, to do just that.

EURMANAGER: Mr. Zaev, you constantly say and believe that only through cooperation, mutual understanding, good neighborliness, and friendship can all problems be solved?

ZAEV: The citizens of Macedonia have realized that the problems are common and that we can reach solutions together. We have overcome a difficult period together. This unity is a strong asset and a tailwind for the development of our Macedonia. When people are convinced of what yields results, they then follow that experience with an open heart. We have extended our hands to each other. We are also extending our hands to our neighbors and to EU and NATO member states. We know that we can succeed in this way, and no, it is not difficult, it is a pleasure to be part of these integration processes. I think that the positive energy you are talking about has been transferred in this way, from person to person in our country, and thus we are creating waves of that energy towards our neighbors and the world. I am convinced that the Republic of Macedonia will justify the expectations and positive impulses of our friends and will contribute to regional development and its full Euro-Atlantic integration with a constructive role in regional frameworks.

EUROMANAGER: Mr. Prime Minister, citizens expect urgent measures and reforms from you and the government, primarily in the economic sphere. What can you tell them?

ZAEV: We have announced that we are reintroducing the cheap electricity tariff, which was abolished. This measure costs 8 million euros from the Budget, with which, as we promised, we have started returning money to the citizens. We will provide material support to bankruptcy workers who were not covered by previous selective legal solutions; the bill has already been adopted by the Government and is in the parliamentary procedure. The increase in living standards will not be rapid, but I expect that citizens will soon feel more money remaining in their family budgets. The state will directly support domestic companies with money, which will contribute to opening new jobs and increasing salaries. Our goal is to increase the average salary to 30,000 denars (around 500 euros). We have already increased the minimum wage to 12,000 denars (around 200 euros), and this amount will be paid starting this month, September. Reforms require understanding, patience, time, but reforms also open up opportunities. We are a positive government that is trying to turn numerous accumulated problems in the country into a driving force for development.

EUROMANAGER: Recently, there has also been increased regional cooperation. You have initiated a series of initiatives, ideas, concrete steps for cooperation...

ZAEV: The Republic of Macedonia, like all countries in the region, needed this increased regional cooperation, which, as shown in Trieste, Podgorica, and Durrës, is becoming a driver of Euro-Atlantic processes, as well as the economic development of countries, through the establishment of stronger bilateral relations.

It means a great honor and an even greater responsibility to continue contributing to building bridges that connect people and countries, but above all hearts, because only what is sincerely desired and sincerely believed in is possible. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a great friend of the Republic of Macedonia, and I know that our successful bilateral relations, which we have begun to improve on a concrete level, in facilitating the movement of citizens, in agriculture, in culture, are a strong regional message of how cooperation can be achieved and contribute to the well-being of citizens, if there is sincere political will.

EUROMANAGER: You were recently in Mostar, where you emotionally said, "We are close peoples, we come from friendly Macedonia. We were part of one state. We love Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Mostar... And I know that here, in Mostar, we are sending a positive message to the entire region..."

ZAEV: I think that evening, a fundamental message reached everyone for all of us, as peoples and as states. The renovated bridge in Mostar is not just a historical bridge from the past; it is a bridge that opens the way to the future for us. I dedicate the award I received to my fellow citizens in Macedonia with whom we have placed the Republic of Macedonia as a locomotive of coexistence, peace, and regional development.

EUROMANAGER: Some time ago, you were also in the capital of Montenegro, Podgorica, where you participated in the Adriatic Charter Summit. US Vice President Mike Pence was also there...

ZAEV: Yes. The message we received from US Vice President Mike Pence is very important: that the United States remains a strong partner of the Republic of Macedonia and the region in NATO and EU integration. With the reform processes we are committed to, improving good neighborly relations, meeting the necessary standards, and Macedonia's proactive role in all these processes, I rightly believe that Macedonia deserves and will be the 30th member of the NATO Alliance.

EUROMANAGER: Tell us something more concrete about other regional forms of cooperation?

ZAEV: It is of special and exceptional importance that on August 1st, with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, we signed the Treaty on Good Neighborliness with the Republic of Bulgaria. A few days ago, we had a joint statement with the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, on resolving all mutual issues through dialogue and direct cooperation. We expect the Republic of Macedonia to host the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, Nikolaos Kocijas. We are improving cooperation with BiH, Montenegro, and Albania in areas important to citizens: infrastructure, agriculture, and the economy.

As I said at the Summit in Durrës, when citizens are existentially calm, it is difficult for anyone to disturb them with destructive nationalism. Thus, citizens are safe, and we, as political leadership, have an obligation to them to provide them with this.

EUROMANAGER: Cooperation with Sarajevo?

ZAEV: We are working to establish a direct Skopje-Sarajevo line, which will greatly help improve the cooperation that has already been established regarding the recognition of driving licenses, travel with identity cards, and facilitating cooperation among farmers... I am convinced that good economic cooperation and joint progress towards the EU lie between the two countries.

EUROMANAGER: You are a strong advocate for economic cooperation in the region, especially among the former Yugoslav countries?

ZAEV: The countries in our region are small markets, but if they have harmonized legal regulations according to European standards, they gain the opportunity to expand their market borders into a "single economic market." Investors are interested in larger markets, so they are more willing to invest, which will open new jobs in our countries and contribute to a better standard of living for the citizens of our countries. Open perspectives towards the EU and NATO will further send a message of stability to the business sector, so regional cooperation is very important, not only from a political but also from an economic aspect for the people and countries in the region.

EUROMANAGER: Let's return to opening paths for faster economic development in Macedonia...

ZAEV: We will strongly support domestic companies, and through reform processes and Euro-Atlantic perspectives, we will open opportunities for the development of existing companies and for new investments. New jobs, higher salaries, will increase consumption, which will bring more money into the Budget, and that money will go back to the citizens in start-up centers for new companies, for assistance to students through the youth guarantee and employment opportunities, for the construction of new schools and hospitals. We are putting the Republic of Macedonia on its feet, and we are putting the citizens on their feet. A state is successful with satisfied people. We are building such a Macedonia.

EUROMANAGER: What does that mean specifically?

ZAEV: It means we have no secrets! We have the political will to return money to the citizens, and we will do it! Here is one of the steps that I expect will be beneficial to citizens: the return of 15 percent of paid VAT for every fiscal receipt that every citizen will receive during their daily consumption. The standard of living can be increased if we develop the economy and if more money remains in citizens' family budgets. We are working on that.

All citizens of Macedonia deserve a better life, and the state deserves to move forward after years of stagnation. I have opened a sincere process, I have extended my hand to everyone, to help ourselves and the Republic of Macedonia together. The first results are visible, and that is why citizens are encouraged. There are no divisions, no discrimination. Macedonia for all, that is best for the citizens, they have recognized it, and a large part of the civic and political public, regardless of any differences, is part of these reform processes. One must be open to people, in thinking, in approaching solutions. I think this openness has fostered faith in citizens and the international community that "Macedonia can."

Business owners and employees need each other. Both need to have working conditions. This way, they can work with peace of mind and have greater understanding for each other. This experience has helped me know that the state plays a big role in what I am saying, by protecting both through quality and reasonable legal regulations, with incentives and support. I am fully committed to this because it is an important impetus for the necessary economic development that should bring a good life for all citizens, today, this is the only great goal before me.