Thursday, 22nd October 2009, The National European Integration Council
Discussion on the Republic of Macedonia 2009 Progress Report
The National European Integration Council, at its meeting held on 22nd October 2009, discussed the Republic of Macedonia 2009 Progress Report, and adopted the following
CONCLUSIONS
1. The National European Integration Council welcomes the recommendation of the European Commission for opening accession negotiations for membership of the Republic of Macedonia in the European Union, and points out that the messages from the Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2009-2010 give a strong impetus for the process of integration in the European Union, for continuation of the political and economic reforms in the Republic of Macedonia, as well as for the countries from the Region.
2. The Council considers that the assessments and comments in the Progress Report express realistically the situation in the Republic of Macedonia regarding the results achieved in 2009 in the process of its integration in the European Union, the decisions that were carried out, the implemented measures and the adopted legislative acts.
3. The Council encourages the relevant entities in the country to seriously and critically analyze the remarks from the Report, and to address the weaknesses, especially concerning the strengthening of the administrative capacity for continuous implementation of the reforms with the aim of fulfilling the obligations from the pre-accession negotiations. In line with this, the Council suggests that the Government of the Republic of Macedonia prepare, as soon as possible, an Action Plan for realization of the recommendations from the Progress Report, pointing out the relevant institutions and deadlines (by the end od December 2009).
4. Having in mind the strategic and consensual commitment for EU membership, the Council stresses the need for continuous support and cooperation in the integration process, for increased mobilization and inclusion of the whole society, through all the relevant institutions and factors with the aim of assuming the responsibilities deriving from the pre-accession negotiations. The Council recommends urgent establishment of negotiating teams and preparation of a draft-strategy for the negotiations, which would include the National European Integration Council.
5. In the period preceding the meeting of the Council of the European Union in December 2009, the Council points to the need for active involvement of the overall potential of the country focusing on receiving the date for opening the accession negotiations, as well as for efficient preparations for realization of all the activities following the receiving of the date.
6. The Council points out that the maintenance of good neighbourly relations, including finding a mutually acceptable solution for the name issue under the auspices of UN, remains a key and essential issue in the next stage of the Euro-integration process. To this aim the National European Integration Council, as a body representing the general consensus for EU membership, remains available for consultations concerning the possible solution.
7. The Council underlines the need for continuation and intensification of the regional cooperation of the Republic of Macedonia, the cooperation with the EU member countries which support Republic of Macedonia on its path towards EU integration, as well as for further development of the political dialogue with the structures of the Union.
8. The Council points out that in the realization of the upcoming tasks there is a need for continuous positive promotion of the Republic of Macedonia as a future European Union member country.
9. The Council will continue to be fully engaged in the performing of its role of a forum which contributes to the continuation and development of the political dialogue and the social consensus in the European integration processes of the Republic of Macedonia.
10. The Conclusions of the National Council on the Report of the European Commission shall be submitted to the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia and to the Government of the Republic of Macedonia.
11. The Conclusions shall be published on the Assembly web site in order to be available to the general public.