Summary: 11 July 2007, Strasbourg: Speaking points by Mr Olli Rehn, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, on Erik Meijer's European Parliament report on the progress in the former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia, European Parliament
Speaking points
• The Commission welcomes Mr Meijer's report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
• The report addresses many of the issues where the country will face challenges on its path to the EU, particularly in the political sphere.
• I am confident that the adoption of a resolution by the European Parliament will be an important contribution to the EU integration process of the country.
• I welcome the strong emphasis put by the resolution on the importance of the implementation of the 2001 Framework Agreement signed in Ohrid.
• The Ohrid Agreement has not only been a promise of reconciliation and stability, but has also been a noticeable example of the difficult but rewarding art of making compromises for the common good.
• The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia became a model in the region for promoting a multi-ethnic society in a unitary state, and for defining mechanisms allowing for a consensual approach to inter-ethnic related issues.
• This approach was crucial for the EU in deciding to grant candidate status to the country. Continuing in the same way will remain essential all along the accession process.
• In that context, the Commission welcomes the progress achieved in the political dialogue between the Government and part of the opposition.
• Dialogue is essential to ensure the stability and functioning of the institutions, as well as to ensure that the process of implementing the reforms is as inclusive as possible.
• We now look forward to seeing this dialogue continue, notably in Parliament, and lead to concrete results.
• Other key challenges include the effective implementation of the police and judiciary reforms, and the fight against corruption.
• The report rightly recognises the positive role the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has been playing in the region. Nevertheless, we see the need to continue encouraging the country in its efforts towards regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations.
• As regards the economic situation, the Commission shares the concerns expressed by the resolution on the high level of unemployment. Structural reforms have to be speeded up. The Commission also believes that further investment in education and training will be essential for social and economic progress.
• Another important issue which the authorities will have to take into account in their efforts to progress is the quality of the legislation adopted, and its effective implementation.
• The Commission will assess the progress made next autumn. It will also present a proposal for a new Partnership drawing the roadmap of the reforms needed in the coming years.
• The country still has a lot of work ahead and progress will be determined by its ability to meet the political criteria.
• The Commission will continue to help in every way it can to assist the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on this demanding journey.
• I will recall that the EU has decided to step up its assistance to the country. For the period 2007-2009, it is intended to allocate € 210.4 million in IPA assistance.
• To conclude, there are many challenges to meet for the country's next steps in the EU integration process. Progress in the integration process is in the hands of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. I am confident that the Government and the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia would find useful the suggestions and recommendations contained in this resolution.
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