Brussels, 12/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 11 December, the EU ministers for European affairs called on the European Commission to bring forward a report on Macedonia (FYROM) for spring 2013, “with a view to a possible decision of the European Council to open accession negotiations”. On the basis of the report, the Council will examine the implementation of reforms in the context of the high level dialogue and the measures taken to promote a good neighbourly relationship - including the issue of a name. The Council will assess the report during the next presidency, the ministers said. Thus the assessment should take place under the Irish Presidency - in other words, before 30 June. If the assessment is positive, the Commission “will be invited” by the Council to submit “without delay” a proposal on the negotiation framework for FYROM, and to carry out the process of analytical examination of the acquis communautaire, starting with chapters 23 and 24 on the judiciary and fundamental rights, and on justice, freedom and security.
In their conclusions, the ministers recognise that the political criteria continue to be fulfilled sufficiently and they congratulate FYROM on the progress it has made in a number of key areas - including respect for the legislative framework for elections, the freedom of expression and public administration, and also on advances in the Ohrid framework agreement. Noting the role of the high level dialogue, the Council called for the reform momentum to be sustained, and wants emphasis to be put on the continuation of the rule of law, especially with regard to freedom of expression, the fight against corruption and inter-ethnic relations and reconciliation. The Council recalled the importance of good neighbourly relations - including the issue of the name - stating that it is necessary to reach “a definitive conclusion without delay”. The ministers also took note of the recent high level contact between FYROM and Bulgaria, and they await its translation into concrete action and results. (CG/transl.fl)