Pursuant to Article 68 paragraph 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, at its session held on 13 February 2004 adopted the following
D E C L A R A T I O N
on the submission of an application for membership of the Republic of Macedonia in the European Union
Taking as a starting point the strongly expressed determination of the citizens and the consensual agreement of the political actors for integration of the Republic of Macedonia into the European Union, as a strategic objective of vital importance, and sharing the common European values and being aware of the need to fulfill, as soon as possible, the economic and political standards and meet the European Union criteria that will guarantee economic prosperity, political stability, democracy, freedom and security,
Having in mind the fact that the Republic of Macedonia is a part of the Stabilisation and Association Process, and has concluded the Stabilisation and Association Agreement,
Fully confirming the determination of the Republic of Macedonia to carry out the commitments undertaken with the Declaration of the EU – Western Balkans Summit, held on 21 June 2003, and the Thessaloniki Agenda for the Western Balkans: Moving Towards European Integration,
Stressing that the Republic of Macedonia has continuously developed relations of constructive dialogue and partnership with the European Union,
Having in mind that the ratification process of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Macedonia was concluded in the Parliaments of all European Union member states and that it is of exceptional political importance for the support to our country,
Expressing commitment to building a stable Republic of Macedonia and South-Eastern Europe fully integrated into the European community,
Having in mind the Declaration on Developing the Relations between the European Union and the Republic of Macedonia, adopted by the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia on 4 February 1998, and the Declaration on Upgrading the Relations between the European Union and the Republic of Macedonia, adopted on 23 November 2003,
The Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia
1. Reiterates its firm determination for European Union membership as a strategic goal of the Republic of Macedonia, to which it shall provide its continuous support and priority;
2. Urges the Government of the Republic of Macedonia to submit an application for membership of the Republic of Macedonia in the European Union;
3. Points to the need that the Government of the Republic of Macedonia informs the Assembly, once in every three months, of the planned and fulfilled obligations, as well as of the realisation of programmes and other activities required for membership of the Republic of Macedonia in the European Union;
4. Commits itself to speeding up the processes for faster integration into the European Union, and to fulfilling the criteria for membership in the Union, laid down by the European Council in Copenhagen in 1993;
5. Emphasises the absolute commitment of the political forces represented in the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia to act in the direction of meeting the criteria for membership in the Union;
6. Shall work on the harmonisation of the legislation of the Republic of Macedonia with the European Union acquis, including by introduction of special procedures for greater efficiency in the process;
7. Shall be fully engaged, within the framework of inter-parliamentary cooperation, in promoting and supporting the application for membership of the Republic of Macedonia in the European Union;
8. Calls on the European Union member states and institutions to strongly support the reforms in the Republic of Macedonia, aimed at fulfilling the necessary requirements for membership in the Union, thus encouraging improvement of the overall capacity for implementation of such reforms;
9. Shall contribute to the raising and development of the public opinion and public awareness in the Republic of Macedonia for the benefits from its full membership in the European Union.
10. This declaration shall be submitted to the President of the Republic of Macedonia, the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, the European Parliament, the European Commission, as well as to the Parliaments of the EU member states and new accession countries.
11. This Declaration shall be published in the "Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia".
ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
No 07 - 764/1 PRESIDENT OF THE ASSEMBLY OF
13 February 2004 THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
Skopje Dr. Ljupco Jordanovski