EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and European Commissioner for Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn called on Friday 29 June for the whole of society in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to work with a view to the country joining the EU.
In order to accomplish joining the EU, ‘that, all political forces share the responsibility to maintain a constructive dialogue and continue to deliver on the citizens' aspirations, including notably through reforms in the rule of law, security services, public administration and a functioning market economy,’ explained the two politicians in an editorial on the European External Action Service website. They said ‘All political groups and parties, local authorities and civil society should take ownership of this process and together prepare the ground for the negotiations.’
‘The work in the year to come is an investment in your EU integration. Every step counts. Walking this path will not only allow you to open negotiations, but to do so in the most effective way,’ they said, feeling that the path towards the EU had become ‘irreversible.’ Mogherini and Hahn added that ‘the more Skopje delivers on its people's needs, the more quickly it will advance towards full membership to the EU.’
The Commissioner and the High Representative announced that the European Commission had, after the decision of 26 June, ‘immediately started work on (…) preparations for the accession talks’ due to start in June 2019, including the new future negotiating framework. ‘We also stand ready to support you in the continuation of reforms,’ they said, noting that ‘Unity, courage, responsibility and pragmatism from all will be essential.’
Mogherini and Hahn pointed out that after managing to overcome a deep and lengthy political crisis, FYROM had made progress in reforms and signed agreements with Bulgaria and Greece ‘championing new dynamics of cooperation in South-East Europe and opening doors for investment, jobs and growth. All these positive steps are an inspiration for the entire region.’ (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)