Summary: Third Meeting of EU-Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Stabilisation and Association Council (11 December 2006: Brussels)
Joint Press Release
The Stabilisation and Association Council (SA Council) between the European Union (EU) and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia held its third meeting on Monday 11 December 2006. The meeting was chaired by Ms Paula Lehtomäki, Minister of European Affairs of Finland. The delegation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was led by Mr Antonio Milososki, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Dr Javier Solana, High Representative for the Common and Security Policy, Mr Michael Leigh,
Director-general of the Commission, and Mr Günter Gloser, Minister of State for Europe of the Federal Republic of Germany, also participated in the meeting.
The SA Council reaffirmed its full support for the agenda set out at the Thessaloniki Summit in 2003. It recalled that the European Council in December 2005, based on the Commission's opinion on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's application for EU membership, decided that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is a candidate country. The SA Council also recalled that the next steps in the country's progress towards the EU will be considered in the light of the fulfilment of the
conditions and requirements enumerated by the European Council conclusions of December 2005. The SA Council reviewed progress by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia within the Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP). The EU considered that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia had continued to make progress, although at a slower pace in 2006. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia reiterated its strong commitment to advancing the pace of reforms in order to meet the necessary
conditions for opening accession negotiations with the objective of joining the EU. The EU encouraged the Government to intensify reform efforts and ensure effective implementation of adopted legislation in order to make progress in its integration process.
The SA Council reviewed developments related to the political criteria. The EU underlined the need for a constructive and inclusive dialogue between all political forces in Parliament on important reforms, and recalled that sustained implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement would remain essential for the process of European integration. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia reiterated its commitment to ensure effective implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, based on the
broadest possible political agreement, and continue the efforts for further sustained progress with regard to equitable representation.
The SA Council noted the generally peaceful and orderly conduct of the parliamentary elections in July 2006 and the assessment of the OSCE/ODIHR that the elections largely met OSCE commitments for democratic elections. The EU recalled its concern on the incidents of violence and certain irregularities that took place during the elections, and underlined that these should be investigated and addressed so that they would not occur in the future. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
reiterated its commitment to this end and updated the SA Council on developments in this regard.
The SA Council welcomed progress in the reform of the judiciary but noted that it still needs to be effectively implemented. It noted the state of play regarding the reform of the police, notably the adoption of Law on Police, and underlined the need to actively prepare for its effective implementation. The SA Council welcomed the focus put by the Government on the fight against corruption in its working programme. The EU underlined that effective progress to that end will require strong
political will and a further strengthening of the institutions. As regards public administration reform, the EU noted some efforts made notably as regards enhancing transparency, but also the large scale changes which had occurred in the administration after the change of government. It underlined the need to further strengthen the independence and professionalism of the administration and increase administrative capacity.
Recalling the Thessaloniki agenda, the SA Council welcomed the opening of negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission agreements. The conclusion of these agreements will be important in fostering people-to-people contacts. It underlined that visa facilitation and readmission agreements will be an important and necessary step forward, and that further progress will depend on the implementation of relevant reforms. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia stressed the importance it
attached to making progress towards visa liberalisation.
Concerning the economic criteria, the EU noted that macroeconomic stability and predictability had further increased and encouraged the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to maintain the broad consensus on the essentials of economic policies. The SA Council noted information provided by the Government regarding its efforts to improve the business and investment climate and the functioning of the market economy. The SA Council agreed on the importance of addressing institutional weaknesses -
such as the speed of administrative procedures, corruption, red tape and the degree of legal certainty. The EU called on the Government to pursue the necessary structural reforms.
The SA Council reviewed the acquis alignment of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The EU welcomed the efforts made to improve the country's ability to assume the obligations of membership, but noted that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia still faced major challenges in implementing and effectively enforcing legislation.
The EU confirmed that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has generally implemented its obligations under the SAA. It recalled, however, that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia still has to fully comply with its obligations, notably in the areas of electronic communications and industrial property rights. The EU urged the country to make progress in the liberalisation of the telecommunications market and to step up efforts to crack down on piracy and counterfeiting.
The SA Council exchanged views on the developments in the Western Balkans. In this context, the EU welcomed that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia had remained a constructive partner in promoting regional cooperation and had actively participated in regional initiatives. It also welcomed the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's participation in operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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