Skopje must boost productivity to catch up with EU, World Bank says

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), which hopes to soon unlock its stalled bids for European Union and NATO membership, should boost productivity and reduce fiscal risks to start catching up with EU economic standards, a World Bank report said on Thursday.

Skopje's deal with Athens to change the country's name to the Republic of North Macedonia is likely to speed up its Euro-Atlantic integration. Parliament is expected to pass constitutional changes and officially adopt the new name by the end of January at the latest.

FYROM is a Western Balkans leader when it comes to market-oriented reforms so is well positioned to seize the opportunities that EU accession can bring, the World Bank said in its latest FYROM country report.

It should exploit its strategic location, openness to trade and prudent macro-economic management to boost growth and reduce...

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