Wednesday, 10 October 2012
STATEMENT ON THE OCCASION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION PROGRESS REPORT ON THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA FOR 2012
Esteemed representatives of the media,
It has been a practice, after the H.E. Aivo Orav hands over the EC Progress Report, to share the first impressions on a joint press statement.
This years Progress Report, similar to the previous Reports, is a realistic reflection of what has been achieved in the past one year. In other words, noting the positive movements that we have made, as well as the issues and the remarks we should address and dedicate more attention and energy on.
The chapter of the Report on the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia also reflects what has been done in the previous year. As a President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, I am satisfied with the Report, and I expect that we will work constructively and efficiently in the next period. The evaluation reflects the work of all colleagues, both from the governing and the oppositional parties.
The Report, in accordance with the determined practice will be reviewed by the Parliamentary Committees and the National European Integration Council. The Report will be also reviewed and debated on at the Plenary Session of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia.
This is the fourth positive Progress Report of the European Commission that includes the recommendation for the Republic of Macedonia to receive a date on opening negotiations. That is why, it is more than needed for the Republic of Macedonia to finally make the step forward, and to progress in the integration and the perspectives to become reality. In this context, we all, rightfully, expect that by the end of this year, in December, the Council of Minister of the European Union will determine a date on opening accession negotiations.
All this will be beneficial for the new momentum and enthusiasm in the implementation of the reforms, but it will also benefit the region and its European perspectives, as well as the European Union.
Thank you for your attention.