Brussels, 02/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - The stormy general elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) on 1 June 2008, won by the party of the outgoing prime minister Nikola Gruevski, may impact on the decision to be taken by the European Commission in the autumn on whether the country meets all the criteria for EU accession talks to begin. In a telephone conversation with Gruevski, EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn expressed concern on Monday at the violence that characterised the elections, with one person being killed and several others injured. The Macedonian authorities were forced to suspend the election at 22 polling stations. The head of Macedonia's government confirmed that new elections will be organised in the polling stations were there had been incidents, explained Rehn's spokesperson, adding that the European Commission would wait for the final report by the OSCE election observers before formally taking a position.
Skopje is hoping that the European Commission will recommend in its regular report, expected to be published in October or November, the launch of EU accession talks with FYROM, which was given candidate country status in December 2005. If the Commission gives the go-ahead, the December European Council may set a date for the launch of negotiations. In March 2008, the European Commission set eight benchmarks that must be met before the talks can begin, namely implementing the commitments subscribed to under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement; improving dialogue among the political parties; implementing police reform and the new anti-corruption law; reforming employment policy; and improving the investment climate (see EUROPE 9616). In the section on political criteria, all of which have to be met, the European Commission stressed the importance of ensuring free, fair and democratic elections. Even if it is too early to speculate about the exact impact of Sunday's elections, the Commission says this will feature in the autumn report. (H.B.)