EUHR Solana welcomes EU Commission's opinion on fYROM

Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for CFSP, made the following remarks after the presentation of the European Commission's opinion on the EU membership application by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

"I welcome the presentation today by the European Commission of its Opinion on the application for EU membership by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

I am very pleased that the European Commission, after a rigorous assessment, has found that progress made is sufficient to recommend candidate status. This recommendation testifies of the remarkable progress made. Less than five years ago, the stability of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was threatened by a destructive internal conflict. Today, the country is engaged in a constructive drive for EU membership.

The Opinion also highlights many areas where more, and harder, work is needed. Effective implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement must continue; the public administration and the institutions should be strengthened; the rule of law has to improve, including through a determined fight against corruption; and the economy needs to develop. It is now the task of all political forces to reinvigorate their efforts to implement the European reform agenda. There is still along journey ahead, and only a concerted effort will allow the country to make further progress towards membership in the European Union."

| Top |

• EU Candidate status for fYROM - Statement by EU Commissioner Rehn (17/12/2005)
• Statement by EUHR Solana on end of EU Police Mission in fYROM (9/12/2005)
• EU Commission recommends candidate status for former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (9/11/2005)
• EUHR Solana met with fYROM Deputy Prime Ministers Shekerinska and Xhaferi (27/9/2005)
• fYROM - Another step forward on the road to EU accession (14/2/2005)