ACADEMIC NETWORK FOR LEGAL STUDIES ON IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM IN EUROPE

ACADEMIC NETWORK FOR LEGAL STUDIES ON IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM IN EUROPE
A NETWORK FOUNDED WITH THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE ODYSSEUS PROGRAMME OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
RESEAU ACADEMIQUE D’ETUDES JURIDIQUES SUR L’IMMIGRATION ET L’ASILE EN EUROPE
UN RESEAU FONDE AVEC LE SOUTIEN FINANCIER DU PROGRAMME ODYSSEUS DE LA COMMISSION EUROPEENNE
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EUROPEAN SUMMER SCHOOL
7th EDITION
European Union Law and Policy on Immigration and Asylum
COURS D’ETE EUROPEEN
7ème EDITION
Droit et politique de l’immigration et de l’asile de l’Union européenne
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2 - 13 JULY / JUILLET 2007
UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLES
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A Network coordinated by the Institute for European Studies
Un Réseau coordonné par l'Institut d'Etudes européennes
of the / de l’Université Libre de Bruxelles
and composed of academics of the following institutions/
et composé d’académiques des institutions suivantes:
Université catholique de Louvain (B), Universidade Autonoma de Lisboa (P), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (P), Universität Salzburg (A), Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen (NL), University of Bristol (UK), Universitaet Konstanz (D), Universitaet Göttingen (D), Universidad Pontificia Comillas de Madrid (E), Università degli Studi di Milano (I), Université de Paris-Sud (F), Université de Pau et des pays de l’Adour (F), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (NL), Aarhus Universitet (DK), Umeå Universitet(S), Lunds Universitet (S), Åbo Akademi (FIN), University of Turku (FIN), Eötvös Loránd University (HU), University of Silesia (PL), Mykolas Romeris University (LT), University of Ljubljana (SLO), University of Latvia (LV)

PRESENTATION
The aim of the Summer School is to provide its participants with a comprehensive understanding of the immigration and asylum policy of the European Union from a legal point of view. The programme is organised by the «Academic Network for Legal Studies on Immigration and Asylum in Europe», founded with the financial support of the Odysseus Programme of the European Commission and co-ordinated by the Institute for European Studies of the Université Libre de Bruxelles. The course provides both the opportunity to live in a unique European environment, as Brussels hosts numerous European and international organisations and offer diverse possibilities of contacts, and to take part in an intellectually stimulating experience in groups of several tens of participants specialised in the area of asylum and immigration from all over Europe. The classes are conducted by academics from the universities co-operating in the Network, which is represented in 21 Member States of the European Union and by high ranking officials from international organisations, particularly the European Commission. Each class is in principle given separately in French and in English.
L'objectif du cours d'été est de fournir aux participants une connaissance globale de la politique d'immigration et d'asile de l’Union européenne d’un point de vue juridique. Le programme est organisé par le « Réseau académique d'études juridiques sur l'immigration et l'asile en Europe » fondé avec le soutien financier du programme Odysseus de la Commission européenne et coordonné par l'Institut d'Etudes Européennes de l’Université Libre de Bruxelles. Les cours offrent à la fois l'opportunité d’évoluer dans un environnement européen unique, Bruxelles abritant de nombreuses organisations européennes et internationales offrant de multiples possibilités de contacts, et de vivre une expérience intellectuelle stimulante dans un groupe de plusieurs dizaines de personnes spécialisées dans le domaine de l’immigration ou de l’asile provenant de toute l’Union européenne. Les cours sont dispensés par les professeurs issus des universités participant au Réseau qui est représenté dans 21 Etats Membres de l’Union européenne ainsi que par des professionnels de haut niveau issus d'organisations internationales, en particulier la Commission européenne. Les cours sont en principe donnés séparément en anglais d’un côté et en français de l’autre.

PROGRAMME
PART ONE / PREMIERE PARTIE
2nd – 6th July / 2 au 6 juillet
General Introduction - Introduction générale
OPENING LECTURE - LEÇON INAUGURALE
1. General introduction to Eu Policy on Immigration and Asylum
Introduction à la politique européenne de l’immigration et de l’asile
2. Future of Free Movement of EU Citizens
L’avenir de la libre circulation des citoyens de l’U.E.
3. Institutional Framework of the European Immigration and Asylum Policy
Le cadre institutionnel de la politique européenne d’immigration et d’asile
4. Control of the external Borders
Le contrôle des frontières extérieures
5. European Visa Policy
La politique européenne des visas
6. Enlargement of the EU and the European Immigration and Asylum Policy
L’élargissement de l’U.E. et la politique européenne d’immigration et d’asile
7. Implications of Human Rights for Immigration and Asylum
Implications des droits de l'homme pour l'immigration et l'asile

PART TWO – DEUXIEME PARTIE
9th – 13th July / 9 – 13 juillet
Specialised Lectures – Cours spécialisés
1. Immigration for purposes of work or studies
L’immigration aux fins d'emploi ou d'études
2. Family Reunification
Regroupement familial
3. Status of Third Country Nationals, Non-discrimination and Integration
Le statut des ressortissants de pays tiers, la non-discrimination et l'intégration
4. Regularisations of Illegal Immigrants
Régularisations des immigrants illégaux
5. Fighting Illegal Immigration
La lutte contre l'immigration illégale
6. Schengen Information System
Le Système d’Information Schengen
7. External Relations and Immigration and Asylum Policy
Relations extérieures et politique d'immigration et d'asile
8. Return and Readmission Policy
La politique de retour et de réadmission
9. The European definition of the Concepts of Refugee and of Subsidiary Protection
La définition européenne des notions de réfugié et de protection subsidiaire
10. Practical exercises – Exercices pratiques
11. Status of Asylum seekers and of protected persons
Statuts des demandeurs d’asile et des personnes protégées
12. Distribution of Refugees between Members States (Dublin, EURODAC, European Refugee Fund)
Répartition des réfugiés entre Etats Membres (Dublin, EURODAC et Fonds Européen des réfugiés)
13. Asylum Procedure
La procédure d'asile
14. The position of UNHCR on the European asylum policy
La position du UNHCR sur la politique européenne d'asile
EVALUATION
Students will have the opportunity to evaluate in writing the quality of the courses and practical exercises, as well as the organisation of the Summer School, at the end of each week. The organisers commit themselves to take into account these evaluations, and to pass them on to the lecturers concerned.
La qualité des cours et travaux pratiques ainsi que l’organisation du cours d’été seront évalués par écrit par les étudiants à la fin de chaque semaine. Les organisateurs s’engagent à tenir compte des résultats et à les transmettre aux enseignants

TEACHING STAFF - CORPS ENSEIGNANT
• Prof. Emmanuel AUBIN (Université de Poitiers, France)
• Prof. Ulrike BRANDL (Universität Salzburg, Austria/Autriche)
• Dr. Emmanuelle BRIBOSIA (Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium/Belgique)
• Prof. Jean-Yves CARLIER (Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium/Belgique)
• Prof. Ryszard CHOLEWINSKI (IOM Geneva)
• Laurence DEBAUCHE, Université Libre de Bruxelles
• Prof. Philippe DE BRUYCKER (Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium/Belgique)
• Prof. Bart DE SCHUTTER, (Vrij Universiteit Brussel, Belgium/Belgique)
• Prof. Constança DIAS URBANO DE SOUSA (Universidade Autonoma de Lisboa, Portugal)
• Prof. Kees GROENENDIJK (Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen, Netherlands/Pays-Bas)
• Prof. Elspeth GUILD (Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen, Netherlands/Pays-Bas)
• Prof. Kay HAILBRONNER (Universitaet Konstanz, Germany/Allemagne)
• John HANDOLL, (Avocat/Lawyer, Ireland/Irlande)
• Dr. Mariona ILLAMOLA DAUSA (Universidat de Girona, Spain/Espagne)
• Prof. Lyra JAKULEVICIENE (Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania/Lithuanie)
• Nathalie JOUANT (Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium/Belgique)
• Prof. François JULIEN-LAFERRIERE (Université de Paris-Sud, France)
• Prof. Kristine KRUMA, (University of Latvia , Latvia, Lettonie)
• Prof. Henri LABAYLE (Université de Pau et des pays de l'Adour, France)
• Prof. Barbara MIKOLAJCZYK (University of Silesia, Poland/Pologne)
• Prof. Boldizsar NAGY (Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary/Hongrie)
• Yves PASCOUAU (Université de Pau et des pays de l'Adour, France)
• Prof. Steve PEERS (University of Essex, United Kingdom/Royaume-Uni)
• Prof. Nuno PICARRA, (Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal)
• Maitena POELEMANS (Université de Pau et des pays de l'Adour, France)
• Dr. Sylvie SAROLEA, (Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium/Belgique)
• Prof. Achilles SKORDAS (University of Bristol, UK/RU)
• Prof. Thomas SPIJKERBOER (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands/Pays-Bas)
• Prof. Jens VESTED-HANSEN, (Juridisk Institut Aarhus, Denmark/Danemark)
• Dr. Vigdis VEVSTAD, (Independent Consultant, Norway/Norvège)

With the collaboration of high ranking officials from the European Union and of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Avec la collaboration de hauts fonctionnaires de l’Union européenne et du Haut Commissariat des Nations Unies pour les Réfugiés.
Academic Coordination académique
General Coordinator – Coordination générale
Philippe DE BRUYCKER, Université Libre de Bruxelles
Groupe francophone: à attribuer
English speaking group: to be appointed
Administrative Coordination administrative
Nicole BOSMANS, Université Libre de Bruxelles

TIMETABLE AND SCHEDULE - CALENDRIER ET HORAIRES
Following the opening lecture, the programme of the first part covers 16 hours of lectures or practical exercices. The programme of the second part covers 28 hours. Each day comprises 4 hours of lectures or practical exercises, presented in modules of 2 hours, with a break of 30 minutes in between. In order to enable participants in full-time employment to attend the classes, these will mainly be held each day between 2.00 and 6.30 p.m.
La première partie comporte, outre la leçon inaugurale, un programme de 16 heures de cours ou d’exercices pratiques et la seconde partie un programme de 28 heures. Chaque jour comporte en principe 2 cours ou travaux pratiques de 2 heures avec une pause d’une demi-heure entre chaque séance. Afin de faciliter la participation de personnes déjà engagées dans la vie professionnelle intéressées par la possibilité de suivre les cours, ceux-ci se donnent principalement l’après-midi entre 14h00 et 18h30.

Participants arrive
Monday 2 July
Lundi 2 juillet
Arrivée des participants
Welcome
Summer School Presentation
Guided Tour of
the University
1st Lesson
Opening Lecture
Drinks
From/A partir de 9:30
11:30 – 12:30
12:30 – 13:00
15:00 – 17:00
17:30
19:00
Accueil
Présentation du cours d’été
Visite de l'Université
1èr cours
Leçon inaugurale
Cocktail
Course concludes
Friday 13 July
Vendredi 13 juillet
Fin des cours

Visit to EU Institutions - Visite d'Institutions de l'U.E.
In addition to the lectures, the programme includes a visit to the European Parliament and evening debates on the European Immigration and Asylum Policy from the point of view of evolutions in the world.
En plus des cours, le programme inclut une visite du Parlement européen et des soirées débat sur la politique européenne d'immigration et d'asile au regard des évolutions mondiales.
Teaching Orientation - Orientation des enseignements
The classes which are of legal character offer both theoretical and practical elements, and tackle the most recent developments in the field. The latest work by the European Commission, the Council and Parliament are integrated into the teaching, thanks in particular to the participation of European officials as lecturers at the summer school. Each participant will receive an extensive up-to-date documentation pack.
Les cours qui sont d’ordre juridique comprennent une dimension à la fois théorique et pratique. Ils sont en prise directe avec l’actualité la plus récente. Les plus récents travaux de la Commission européenne, du Conseil des ministres et du Parlement européen sont intégrés aux enseignements, notamment grâce à la participation de fonctionnaires européens comme conférenciers dans le cadre des cours. Une importante documentation mise à jour sera remise à chacun des participants.

Language – Langues
Applicants must be fluent in either English or French. The classes will generally be taught separately in English and in French, so that each of the participants may follow the programme in either of these two languages, in accordance with the choice originally indicated, with the exception of courses given by high ranking officials of the European Union which might be exclusively taught in English.
Les candidats doivent avoir une bonne compréhension de l’anglais ou du français. Les enseignements seront en principe dispensés séparément en français et en anglais de manière à permettre aux étudiants de suivre les cours dans une de ces deux langues selon le choix qu’ils auront indiqué au départ, sauf pour les cours dispensés par les hauts fonctionnaires de l’Union européenne qui peuvent éventuellement ne l’être qu’en anglais.
Facilities – Facilités
The participants will have access to the various University facilities (libraries, cafeterias, medical and sports facilities, etc.). Entertaining activities will be also organised during the weekend. Those participants requiring accommodation during their stay in Brussels should state this on their application form in order to receive further information. Accommodation in bedrooms for 2 people with breakfast can be provided to a limited number of participants at reasonable price (+/- 300€ by person).
Les participants auront accès aux différents services de l'Université (bibliothèques, restaurants universitaires, service médical, installations sportives,…). Des activités récréatives seront également organisées durant le week-end. Les participants qui ont besoin d'un logement lors de leur séjour sont priés de le signaler dans leur formulaire d'inscription et recevront les informations suivant les possibilités. Un nombre limité de logements en chambre de 2 personnes avec petit déjeuner sont disponibles à des prix raisonnable (+/-300 € par personne).
Certificate - Certificat
Participants who have followed the programme assiduously throughout the two weeks will receive a certificate of attendance specifying each of the courses followed. The programme will not demand any written work or exams, but some prior readings are recommended.
Les participants qui ont effectivement suivi l’ensemble des cours pendant les deux semaines recevront un certificat d'assiduité précisant le contenu des cours. Le programme n’impose ni travaux écrits, ni examens, mais certaines lectures préalables sont recommandées.
CONTACT
Université Libre de Bruxelles
Réseau ODYSSEUS Network
39, Roosevelt Avenue - C.P. 172
B -1050 Brussels - Belgium
Tél.: 00 32 (0)2 650 49 96 (afternoon/ après-midi)
Fax: 00 32 (0)2 650 25 11
Email: odysseus@ulb.ac.be
Website: http://www.ulb.ac.be/assoc/odysseus

Admissions Requirements - Conditions d’admission
In order to meet the legal prerequisites of the course, applicants must have some legal background. They must have either completed a University degree (BA or equivalent) in Law, Political Science or International Relations (graduates of other disciplines will be considered depending on the courses they have followed), or have professional experience in a relevant field, for example as a civil servant, NGO assistant,… Interested persons should complete the application form available on the internet. Should the Network be overwhelmed with applications, the forms will be submitted for advice to the Network member from the country of origin of the candidate. Successful candidates will have to submit either a copy of their University diploma, or acertificate, before the start of the programme.
Afin de pouvoir suivre des enseignements techniques au point de vue juridique, les candidats doivent avoir une certaine formation juridique. Pour être admissibles, les candidats doivent avoir un diplôme universitaire (Baccalauréat ou équivalent) en droit, sciences politiques ou relations internationales (d’autres disciplines seront prises en considération en fonction du programme d’enseignement suivi) ou une pratique professionnelle dans le domaine en tant que fonctionnaire, animateur d’une ONG,….. Les personnes intéressées sont priées de remplir le formulaire de candidature disponible sur le site Internet du réseau. Une sélection sur mérites sera effectuée en cas d’afflux de candidatures qui seront éventuellement soumises pour avis au membre du Réseau de l’Etat dont elles proviennent. Les candidats sélectionnés devront produire une copie de leur dernier diplôme ou une attestation avant le début des cours.
Subscription - Souscription
The applicants to the Summer school will pay in advance 100€ to hand in their file on the same bank account as the one mentioned for subscription fees. This sum will be lost if the applicant backs out or reimbursed if the applicant was not selected by the Network. Only applications with a payment of registration fee of 100€ will be considered.
Les candidats au cours d’été verseront à titre d’avance une somme de 100€ pour introduire leur dossier sur le même compte bancaire que celui mentionné pour les frais d’inscription. Cette somme sera perdue si le candidat se désiste ou remboursée si le candidat n'était pas sélectionné par le réseau. Seules les candidatures dont les frais de souscription de 100€ auront été payés seront prises en considération.
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Registration - Inscription
The participants are kindly requested to subscribe by using the registration form available on the website of the Network (http://www.ulb.ac.be/assoc/odysseus ).
The programme does not receive any financial support, and thus finances itself through the course fees. The total tuition fees for the program are 600 € for students, 700€ for NGO's and PhDs and 800 € for those in full-time employment. This covers the classes, the document pack, the visits receptions and entertaining activities, excluding food and accommodation. The Network will not be able to provide any grants covering tuition fees. The closing date for applications has been set for 1st June 2007. Interested candidates are strongly advised to submit their applications as soon as possible, given in view of the limited number of places available. Late applications will be considered as far as possible, depending on the number of places left on the course and the availability of accommodation.
Les participants sont priés de s’inscrire en remplissant le formulaire disponible sur le site internet du Réseau (http://www.ulb.ac.be/assoc/odysseus ).
Le programme ne bénéficie d’aucune subvention et est auto-financé par les frais d’inscription des participants. Les frais d'inscription pour le programme s'élèvent au total à 600 € pour les étudiants, 700€ pour les ONGs et les doctorants et 800 € pour les professionnels. Cette somme couvre les cours, la documentation, les visites, les réceptions et les activités récréatives, à l’exception du logement et de la nourriture. Le Réseau ne peut octroyer aucune bourse couvrant les frais de participation au cours d’été. La date de clôture des inscriptions est fixée au 1er juin 2007. Il est vivement conseillé aux personnes intéressées de s’inscrire le plus rapidement possible en raison du nombre limité de places disponibles. Les demandes d'inscription postérieures à la date de clôture seront satisfaites dans la mesure du possible en fonction du nombre de participants déjà inscrits et des logements disponibles.
Participants are asked to pay by bank transfer to account number 001-2122389-08,
Fortis Bank, Pesage Branch, 16 Avenue du Pesage, 1050 Brussels, Belgium,
BIC code GEBABEBB
IBAN: BE63001212238908
clearly indicating reference "2007 Summer School" and "their name".
Proof of payment must be produced at the latest on arrival in Brussels. In exceptional cases payment in cash on arrival in Brussels will be accepted. The bank fees charged to the Network at payment of your course fees might be reclaimed from you in cash at arrival in Brussels.
Les participants sont priés de payer par virement bancaire sur le compte 001-2122389-08
de la Fortis Banque, Agence Pesage, 16, Avenue du Pesage, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgique,
Code BIC: GEBABEBB,
IBAN : BE63001212238908
avec comme référence « leur nom » et la mention "cours d'été 2007".
La preuve de paiement doit impérativement être produite au plus tard à l’arrivée à Bruxelles. Les paiements sur place en argent liquide seront acceptés à titre exceptionnel à l’arrivée à Bruxelles. Le remboursement des frais bancaires imputés au réseau lors du paiement de votre inscription pourra vous être réclamé en liquide à votre arrivée.

Master Programme in European Integration and Regionalism

The CORE TOPICS are:
- Module I: European Integration (2 residential weeks in September 2007, Bolzano, Italy)
- Module II: EU Law (2 residential weeks in November 2007, Luxembourg)
- Module III: Federalism and Regionalism (2 residential weeks in January 2008, Graz, Austria)
- Module IV:Regional and Social Cohesion (2 residential weeks in April 2008, Barcelona, Spain)
- Module V: Minorities and Diversity (2 residential weeks in June 2008, Bolzano, Italy)

Applications can be made either to the full Programme or to single modules. In the latter case attendance of a module will lead to the award of a certificate.

DEGREE
Successful participants of the Master Programme will be awarded by the University of Graz the academic degree of a "Master of European Studies" (M.E.S.).

TARGET GROUP
- Civil servants from local, regional or national administrations who are dealing with EU affairs and therefore require both theoretical and practical training in EU and regional issues;
- Lawyers, economists, social scientists and others in the employment of non-governmental organisations wishing to enhance inter-disciplinary skills and to specialise on different aspects of European integration, regionalism and diversity;
- Graduate students wishing to acquire a more in-depth understanding of EU and regional issues, beneficial for a future career in the academia or even practice-orientated work.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION
The deadline for application for the academic year 2007/2008 is 1 June 2007.

START OF THE PROGRAMME
The first module of the academic year 2007/2008 will start on 3 September 2007.

Further information about the Programme as well as the application forms can be found at http://www.eurac.edu/meir

We would appreciate if you would disseminate information about the Masters Programme to anyone who may be interested in participating.

CONTACT European Academy of Bolzano Minorities and AutonomiesDrususallee/Viale Druso 1 I-39100 Bozen/Bolzano, Italy Phone: +39 0471 055 223
Fax: +39 0471 055 299 email: meir@eurac.edu

Invest in Macedonia - New Business Heaven in Europe - campaign to promote Macedonian business potentials

Invest in Macedonia - New Business Heaven in Europe is the name of the campaign, which the Government launched on January 19 in order to promote Macedonian business potentials.
- The campaign for Macedonia's promotion as an investment destination will be implemented until March 1, by 50 leading newspapers in 35 countries, out of which 24 will be EU countries, in 24 languages. Total circulation of these printed media is over 9 million, whereas their readership surpasses 30 million, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski told journalist at Wednesday's news conference. Macedonia 's opportunities will be presented on 20 on-line editions of the aforementioned newspapers.
The printed media include Financial Times, New York Times, Economist, Wall Street Journal, Herald Tribune, Banker, Figaro, Die Presse, Australien, Sunday Telegraph, 24 Hours, Irish Times...
According to Gruevski, Macedonia offered investors the following advantages: lowest profit tax of 10%, lowest income tax of 10%, 0% tax of reinvested profit, prompt registration of companies within 3 days, 370 euros gross average salary, free access to large market of 650 million consumers, macroeconomic stability with 3,1% inflation, great infrastructure and EU and NATO membership candidate.
- Basicly, this is a pre-campaign, which is expected to encourage investors to think about investing in Macedonia , but it will have positive effect on county's overall image, said Gruevski.
The Government, added Gruevski, has no irrealistic exoectations. - We don't believe that an investment boom will happen over night, because the first tangible results will be occur after certain period of time. This is only the begining of a permanent campaign, which Macedonia need for a long time, he said.

The European Commission Progress Report on Republic of Macedonia handed over

The European Commission welcomes the reforms achieved in Macedonia in the last year, however it notes to the Government that it should speed up the judicial and internal affairs reforms and to reinforce the measures for fight against organised crime and corruption. This is indicated in the European Commission Progress Report on Republic of Macedonia in the EU accession process, which was published on 8 November 2006.
“Republic of Macedonia has continued to make progress over the past year – since the granting of candidate status a year ago – but at a slower pace”, the Enlargement Commissioner, Olli Rehn during today’s presentation of the EC Report. The report also states that the Parliamentary Elections might be one of the reasons for the slower implementation of the reforms.
The Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to the Republic of Macedonia, Erwan Fouéré has officially handed over the European Commission’s report to the Government of Republic of Macedonia.
“This Report gives the indication on what we should focus in future, what are the weaknesses that we should concentrate on, what we should do, and where we need to pay more attention. And that is what we are going to do”, outlined Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, after the handover of the Report. He also pointed out that Government will analyse the Report and subsequently express its position.
According to the Ambassador Fouéré the Report reflects the progress that has been achieved by Macedonia in the past 12 months. “This report is based on rigorous objective assessment of the progress achieved and also it is encouragement to the country to pursue the reform and to redouble its effort in order to bring the country further on the way towards EU accession”, Fouéré said.
“The Report gives a realistic reflection of the conditions, and it will provide the positive framework within which the Government will position its priorities for the upcoming period, so that in 2007 we can show results on the issues that have been raised in the Report”, the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for European Affairs, Gabriela Konevska Trajkovska said.
Konevska-Trajkovska referred to certain issues which have been raised in the Report. In the area of political criteria, she emphasised the fight against corruption, public administration, and the issues of political dialogue. In respect to the criteria for adoption of the acquis communautaire, a focus on the implementation of the strategic documents and law enforcement is needed. A special emphasis was given to the harmonisation in the area of electronic communications – liberalisation of telecommunications, which is also a priority in the implementation of the Stabilisation and association Agreement.
The documents are attached at the following links:
Progress report on the Republic of Macedonia [en]
EU Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2006 – 2007[en]
Extract from the Conclusions of the EC's Report to the European Parliament and the Council - Startegy for Enlargement and main Chalenges 2006-2007 [mk]

MACEDONIA – EU RELATIONS

The integration of the Republic of Macedonia in the European Union represents a clear and categorically expressed strategic interest and a priority goal in the policy of the Macedonian Government. The bilateral Stabilization and Association Agreement signed in April 2001 is the last stadium before Macedonia’s admission to the family of developed European democracies. The agreement, as part of the stabilization and association process, initiated by the European Union, represents its major contribution to the Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe. By the end of 2002, the agreement was ratified by the parliaments of Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Austria, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands and United Kingdom. In 2003, the parliaments of France, Portugal, Greece and Luxembourg also ratified the agreement.
Macedonia is the first country in Southeastern Europe that successfully brought to an end the negotiations for signing of such an agreement. Another detail of this accord is interesting, and that is the fact that the Agreement was first ratified by the European Parliament before the separate EU members states did the same. The Stabilization and Association Agreement, as a complex and legally binding political act, places the Republic of Macedonia among the potential members of the EU and makes it a factor in creating a Europe of the future, a society with the highest democratic values, security for all its citizens and social justice.
From an economic point of view, the Agreement opened the doors to one of the largest, and financially one of the most powerful market in the world. The European family is the most significant partner of the Macedonian economy and within those frames, exports to the EU account for 50.7%, as imports account for 45.2% of Macedonia’s total foreign trade. Before the Stabilization and Association Agreement was signed, in 1997, Macedonia and the EU signed an agreement for cooperation, as well as textile, wine, and transport agreements. Macedonia’s most important trade partners in Europe are Germany, Italy, and Greece, and its most important export products are ready-made clothing, hot rolled and zinc-coated plates, non-alloyed zinc, wine, ferrosilicon, flexes, footwear, and cotton yarn. The export of these goods earns Macedonia an annual profit of around $400 million.
The Stabilization and Association Agreement between the Republic of Macedonia and the EU
has an asymmetrical model that regulates their bilateral trade relations. Under the SAA, the Macedonia-made goods imported in the EU will not be subject to customs and quantity restrictions, save for fish, sea products, veal and wine. Macedonian goods will be one-sidedly entitled to customs relieves in a ten years’ period of adjustment towards a future, limitless competition. The European Union is already allowing customs-free import of almost all the Macedonian products, and with the gradual trade liberalization on the Macedonian side, a free trade zone will be introduced over the next ten years. Within the framework of the SAA, special protocols regulate trade in, what are known as, sensitive sectors, such as textiles, and production of steel and steel products.
In March 1996, the Republic of Macedonia became a full member of the PHARE program and between 1996 and 1999, 100 million euros was granted to Macedonia in support of its reforms.
In January 2002, the European Commission adopted a five-year strategy for Macedonia for which
EUR 110.5 million was approved. The EU financial aid will be implemented through the CARDS program from 2002 to 2006 and will support the plan for stabilization and association of the West Balkan countries. Priority will be given to the democratic processes, the legal, economic and social development, ecology and other key matters in the process. An accent will be put on the promotion of the civic society and the inter-ethnic dialogue, and on reconciliation and prevention of any new conflicts. The money will also be used to support the process of creating effective market economy, promote trade, decrease unemployment, improve the judiciary system, reinforce border controls, protect natural environment and prevent money laundering. For the countries in the region
included in the process of stabilization and association - Albania, Macedonia, Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia and Montenegro - the European Commission committed a total of EUR 5.5 billion.
In the next ten years, the EU, as well as other international political and financial factors are expected to show greater interest in the political consolidation of Southeastern Europe. In this regard, Macedonia is considered one of the leaders that should use its positive influence to help the countries of the Western Balkans get out of the crisis as soon as possible.

EIDHR - European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights, micro-projects, 2006 programme, call for proposals

The European Mission in Macedonia is seeking proposals for small-scale financial support for initiatives aimed at promoting and protecting human rights, as well as, democracy and governance strengthening with financial assistance from the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), micro-projects programme of the European Communities.

CALL FOR PROJECT PROPOSALS UNDER GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES REUNITING EUROPE FUND

The British Embassy in Skopje seeks proposals from government institutions and civil
society for projects to be funded under the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s
“Global Opportunities Reuniting Europe” Fund in the financial year 2007/08.
The deadline for submission of project concepts is 6 November 2006. Only selected
projects will be required to submit full bids by the 21 January 2006 deadline.
Macedonia is eligible to bid for the Global Opportunities Fund Reuniting Europe
Fund. The objective of this programme is to bolster and extend the success of
enlargement by supporting countries through the EU integration process, particularly
in the field of improved governance and economic growth. The overall budget for
Macedonia is £550,000 for the financial year 2007/2008. Interested implementers are
encouraged to submit multiyear projects ranging from £80,000 - £100,000 per year.
The Project Appraisal Committee of the British Embassy Skopje will consider
proposals that meet at least one of the GOF Reuniting Europe objectives as set at
below:
-To increase political and economic transparency and accountability
-To build administrative capacity for EU integration
-To contribute to the creation of a pro-business environment
All interested potential implementers are invited to a briefing meeting on Monday, 30
October 2006 at 12:00 at the British Embassy, Salvador Aljende 73, IZIIS
building.
Due to a limit on numbers, we would be grateful if each organisation is represented by
one person only. Please confirm the details of your representative by Friday, 27
October 2006, on the following contact numbers: 02 3299 277 or 02 3299 244.