The Stabilisation and Association Council (SA Council) between the Republic of Macedonia and the EU held its fourth meeting on 24 July 2007. The meeting was chaired by Mr Antonio Milososki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia. The Presidency of the Council was represented by Mr Manuel Lobo Antunes, State Secretary for European Affairs of Portugal. Mr Jan Truszczinski, Deputy Director General of the Commission's Directorate General for Enlargement, and Mr Dimitrij Rupel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia as well as the EU Special Representative and Head of the Commission's delegation to the Republic of Macedonia, Erwan Fouéré, also participated in the meeting.
The SA Council recalled the December 2006 European Council, which had noted that the candidate status of the Republic of Macedonia was a recognition of reform achievements and had called on the country to accelerate the pace of reforms in order to progress towards the goal of moving ahead in the accession process. The EU noted that the Commission's forthcoming Progress Report would serve as a basis for the Council's next regular review of progress achieved within the SAP. It also noted the Republic of Macedonia’s strong commitment to advancing the pace of reforms in order to meet the necessary conditions for opening accession negotiations as soon as possible.
The SA Council reviewed developments related to the political criteria. The EU welcomed the resumed political dialogue and the Government’s dedication aimed at securing the support of all political forces in the enforcement of the country’s EU agenda, underlying that stable and functioning democratic institutions were core aspects of the political criteria. The EU looked forward to a continued and constructive political dialogue on issues of fundamental national importance. The SA Council noted the efforts to ensure effective implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, and recalled that this implementation remains crucial for the process of EU-integration.
The SA Council reviewed progress on judicial reform, calling for continuous efforts to ensure its full implementation, as well as for the enactment of the remaining legislative acts related to public prosecution service. The SA Council welcomed progress made in the preparation of the entry into force of the Law on Police and stressed the importance of dialogue between Government and Opposition to ensure implementation.
The EU welcomed the political will demonstrated in the fight against corruption and the latest results achieved in this regard, but emphasised that only the continuous and effective implementation of adopted measures and a strong and sustained political commitment will have a real impact on fighting this widespread phenomenon.
The SA Council furthermore reviewed progress as regards public administration reform, regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations.
Welcoming the initialling of the agreements on visa facilitation and readmission, the SA Council looked forward to their early entry into force. The SA Council noted the importance of the perspective for establishing mutual visa free travel regime.
Concerning the economic criteria, the SA Council reviewed the progress made in improving the business and investment climate as well as the continued macroeconomic stability and maintained fiscal discipline. The EU expressed concern for the high level of structural unemployment and encouraged the Government to strengthen efforts to improve the functioning of the labour market and pursue the structural reforms needed to have a positive impact on the economy.
The SA Council reviewed the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, noting that the Republic of Macedonia has implemented most of its obligations thereof. It welcomed the legislative progress in various areas, such as customs, transport, internal market and competition and underlined the key importance of strengthening administrative capacity to ensure effective implementation. The SA Council furthermore reviewed progress as regards competition, the protection of intellectual property and competition in the telecommunication market.
The SA Council welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on a Protocol to the SAA to take account of the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU. It also welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding concluded to associate the country to the seventh EC Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development and encouraged the Republic of Macedonia to pursue its efforts to join EC programmes and agencies.
The SA Council expressed support for the request made by the Republic of Macedonia to create Joint Consultative Committees with the EU's Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of Regions respectively.
The SA Council exchanged views on the developments in the Western Balkans and welcomed the active participation of the Republic of Macedonia in the new forms of regional cooperation in South Eastern Europe. The EU welcomed the continuous support given by the Republic of Macedonia to the efforts of the international community on settling the Kosovo status, and its commitment in aligning with the position of the EU. The EU also welcomed the Republic of Macedonia's participation in operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The SA Council was briefed on the EU's renewed consensus on enlargement, as set out by the December 2006 European Council, as well as on the outcome of the June European Council relating to the reform of the EU Treaty and the way ahead.
7.25.2007
7.19.2007
EU lawmakers to vote on Macedonia report
European Parliament will vote Thursday on the report on Macedonia's progress toward EU membership, a day after the lawmakers gave their opinion on the issue.
"The progress toward EU is in the hands of political leaders in the country. I believe that the Government and the Parliament will take into consideration the recommendations in the European Commission's report," the EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn told the MEPs during the debate.
He called on the government and all political parties in Macedonia to focus on continuation of reforms instead of focusing on the starting date of EU accession talks.
"Dialogue is basis for achieving stability and functioning of institutions," Commissioner Rehn said, adding that Brussels expects full implementation of political dialogue between VMRO-DPMNE and DUI.
He pointed out that despite the last year's slowed down progress, the country can return this year to the reform-determined track.
Commissioner Rehn also called for a constructive approach to mutually acceptable solution to name issue between Macedonia and Greece under the UN auspices.
The debate was attended by members of the Macedonian delegation, 10 MEPs, including the Rapporteur on Macedonia, Dutch MEP Erik Meijer, Greeks MEPs, Green Party MEPs and Socialists' MEPs.
Rapporteur Meijer gave historical remarks regarding the name issue, noting that both sides should reach a compromise to face the different stands. Otherwise, it will be impossible that Macedonia be treated fairly in the process of integration into the EU.
Meier also said that it is necessary that the country removes "all symbols, maps and provocations". He also mentioned that Macedonia undergoes serious problems in terms of environmental pollution, corruption, judiciary problems that are still not solved.
"It is not clear yet about the state's role in the El-Masri case," Meijer said.
MEP Doris Pack called for accelerated implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, reforms in judiciary, police, economy, and the fight against corruption and organized crime. "A lot of work needs to be done," Pack said, adding that Macedonia must wrap up these urgent tasks.
The three Greek MEPs Giorgos Karadzaferiss, Panayotis Beglitis and Giorgos Dimitrakopoulos focused on name dispute, insisting that the matter is not a bilateral issue only.
The other lawmakers, on the other hand, made it clear that the name should not hinder the negotiations between Macedonia and EU.
The European Parliament today will vote on the report on Macedonia's progress in 2006. The European Commission is to release its Macedonia progress report on 7 November, which holds the key to EU decision to launch accession talks with Macedonia.
"The progress toward EU is in the hands of political leaders in the country. I believe that the Government and the Parliament will take into consideration the recommendations in the European Commission's report," the EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn told the MEPs during the debate.
He called on the government and all political parties in Macedonia to focus on continuation of reforms instead of focusing on the starting date of EU accession talks.
"Dialogue is basis for achieving stability and functioning of institutions," Commissioner Rehn said, adding that Brussels expects full implementation of political dialogue between VMRO-DPMNE and DUI.
He pointed out that despite the last year's slowed down progress, the country can return this year to the reform-determined track.
Commissioner Rehn also called for a constructive approach to mutually acceptable solution to name issue between Macedonia and Greece under the UN auspices.
The debate was attended by members of the Macedonian delegation, 10 MEPs, including the Rapporteur on Macedonia, Dutch MEP Erik Meijer, Greeks MEPs, Green Party MEPs and Socialists' MEPs.
Rapporteur Meijer gave historical remarks regarding the name issue, noting that both sides should reach a compromise to face the different stands. Otherwise, it will be impossible that Macedonia be treated fairly in the process of integration into the EU.
Meier also said that it is necessary that the country removes "all symbols, maps and provocations". He also mentioned that Macedonia undergoes serious problems in terms of environmental pollution, corruption, judiciary problems that are still not solved.
"It is not clear yet about the state's role in the El-Masri case," Meijer said.
MEP Doris Pack called for accelerated implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, reforms in judiciary, police, economy, and the fight against corruption and organized crime. "A lot of work needs to be done," Pack said, adding that Macedonia must wrap up these urgent tasks.
The three Greek MEPs Giorgos Karadzaferiss, Panayotis Beglitis and Giorgos Dimitrakopoulos focused on name dispute, insisting that the matter is not a bilateral issue only.
The other lawmakers, on the other hand, made it clear that the name should not hinder the negotiations between Macedonia and EU.
The European Parliament today will vote on the report on Macedonia's progress in 2006. The European Commission is to release its Macedonia progress report on 7 November, which holds the key to EU decision to launch accession talks with Macedonia.
7.18.2007
Pre-accession assistance for 2007-2009 agreed
The European Commission has finalised its plans for assistance to the candidate and potential candidate countries for 2007-2009. It adopted on June 20 the strategy for Croatia under its Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance, after earlier adopting similar strategies for the Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo. The overall indicative amount for the period for all these countries totals €3.96 billion.
Financial assistance to those countries aims to help them enhance political and economic reform and development, on their path towards EU membership. Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said: "The crux of the matter in the EU's enlargement process is that the political, economic and institutional reforms lead to results on the ground, in each and every country. They have to deliver in this challenging process. But they are not alone, the EU stands by their side with political support, technical advice and substantial financial assistance to help them carrying out these reforms. I welcome the adoption of all strategies that is necessary to transform the financial commitment into concrete projects to improve the lives of citizens on the Western Balkans and in Turkey".
For Croatia, the pre-accession assistance strategy is concentrated on institution building and preparation for the implementation of the EU's common agricultural policy and cohesion policy. For the Republic of Macedonia, it aims to consolidate reform of public administration, the judiciary and the police, to improve the local infrastructure, to help the country adopt and implement EU legislation and standards and to prepare for the implementation of the EU's cohesion and rural development policies.
EU assistance to Turkey focuses on support to the stability of institutions so as to guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms, democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the respect for and protection of minorities, and promotion of the EU-Turkey Civil Society Dialogue. EU assistance will also help the country prepare for participation in the EU's cohesion policy and rural development instruments.
For Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, the principal aim of the assistance is improving governance and the rule of law, supporting economic and social development and helping these countries adopt laws in line with those of the EU and building their capacity to make the laws work out on the ground. In Kosovo, EU assistance will support the implementation of the future status settlement provisions, with focus on the development of a stable, modern, democratic and multi-ethnic society based on the respect of the rule of law. It will foster Kosovo's social and economic development for the benefit of all communities.
Besides the country-specific financial assistance, a programme supporting joint projects by several countries will intervene on subjects such as regional cooperation, infrastructure, justice and home affairs, internal market and trade, market economy, supporting civil society, education, youth and research.
Indicative financial envelope for the period 2007-2009
Planned allocation in million € (at current prices)
Croatia
438.5
Republic of Macedonia
210.4
Turkey
1,602.3
Albania
212.9
Bosnia and Herzegovina
226
Montenegro
97.3
Serbia
572.4
Kosovo (under UNSCR 1244)
199.1
Multi-beneficiary
402.7
TOTAL 2007-2009
3,961.6
Environment ministers of Romania, Bulgaria, candidate and potential candidate countries met in Brussels on June 11 to enhance environmental cooperation. The European Commission views these meetings as a useful tool to help candidate and potential candidate countries to better prepare on environmental issues.
Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia and Serbia signed Memoranda of Understanding with the European Commission on June 13 to enable them to take part fully in the EU's Seventh Research Framework Programme. Turkey signed a similar document on June 1. Montenegro has requested "associated status", and Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina are expected to join soon. “I am pleased to see the doors of the European Research Area are wide open for all the Western Balkan Countries,” said Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik. “Research cooperation with Europe's scientific community is a tool which can smooth the way for the integration process of candidate and potential candidate countries into the European Union.”
"The biggest threat to our policies is fraud and loss of funds because of corruption. It is not just the financial loss which is significant. It is the damage in perception which causes European citizens to question even the legitimacy of these policies and discourages them from supporting such initiatives. This may, in turn, also have a negative impact on the general attitude of people to further enlargement", warned Siim Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Administrative Affairs, Audit and Anti-Fraud, when he spoke at a meeting in Skopje of the heads of the supreme audit institutions of the candidate and potential candidate countries on June 12.
Financial assistance to those countries aims to help them enhance political and economic reform and development, on their path towards EU membership. Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said: "The crux of the matter in the EU's enlargement process is that the political, economic and institutional reforms lead to results on the ground, in each and every country. They have to deliver in this challenging process. But they are not alone, the EU stands by their side with political support, technical advice and substantial financial assistance to help them carrying out these reforms. I welcome the adoption of all strategies that is necessary to transform the financial commitment into concrete projects to improve the lives of citizens on the Western Balkans and in Turkey".
For Croatia, the pre-accession assistance strategy is concentrated on institution building and preparation for the implementation of the EU's common agricultural policy and cohesion policy. For the Republic of Macedonia, it aims to consolidate reform of public administration, the judiciary and the police, to improve the local infrastructure, to help the country adopt and implement EU legislation and standards and to prepare for the implementation of the EU's cohesion and rural development policies.
EU assistance to Turkey focuses on support to the stability of institutions so as to guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms, democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the respect for and protection of minorities, and promotion of the EU-Turkey Civil Society Dialogue. EU assistance will also help the country prepare for participation in the EU's cohesion policy and rural development instruments.
For Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, the principal aim of the assistance is improving governance and the rule of law, supporting economic and social development and helping these countries adopt laws in line with those of the EU and building their capacity to make the laws work out on the ground. In Kosovo, EU assistance will support the implementation of the future status settlement provisions, with focus on the development of a stable, modern, democratic and multi-ethnic society based on the respect of the rule of law. It will foster Kosovo's social and economic development for the benefit of all communities.
Besides the country-specific financial assistance, a programme supporting joint projects by several countries will intervene on subjects such as regional cooperation, infrastructure, justice and home affairs, internal market and trade, market economy, supporting civil society, education, youth and research.
Indicative financial envelope for the period 2007-2009
Planned allocation in million € (at current prices)
Croatia
438.5
Republic of Macedonia
210.4
Turkey
1,602.3
Albania
212.9
Bosnia and Herzegovina
226
Montenegro
97.3
Serbia
572.4
Kosovo (under UNSCR 1244)
199.1
Multi-beneficiary
402.7
TOTAL 2007-2009
3,961.6
Environment ministers of Romania, Bulgaria, candidate and potential candidate countries met in Brussels on June 11 to enhance environmental cooperation. The European Commission views these meetings as a useful tool to help candidate and potential candidate countries to better prepare on environmental issues.
Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia and Serbia signed Memoranda of Understanding with the European Commission on June 13 to enable them to take part fully in the EU's Seventh Research Framework Programme. Turkey signed a similar document on June 1. Montenegro has requested "associated status", and Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina are expected to join soon. “I am pleased to see the doors of the European Research Area are wide open for all the Western Balkan Countries,” said Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik. “Research cooperation with Europe's scientific community is a tool which can smooth the way for the integration process of candidate and potential candidate countries into the European Union.”
"The biggest threat to our policies is fraud and loss of funds because of corruption. It is not just the financial loss which is significant. It is the damage in perception which causes European citizens to question even the legitimacy of these policies and discourages them from supporting such initiatives. This may, in turn, also have a negative impact on the general attitude of people to further enlargement", warned Siim Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Administrative Affairs, Audit and Anti-Fraud, when he spoke at a meeting in Skopje of the heads of the supreme audit institutions of the candidate and potential candidate countries on June 12.
5.30.2007
Fouere says Broadcasting Council undergoes political pressure
The Broadcasting Council of Macedonia faces political pressures, EU Ambassador Erwan Fouere said on Wednesday.
The Council undergoes problems of political nature, however, it pledges to maintain independence and cope with such tendencies arising from the lack of institutional dialogue, Ambassador Fouere said during his visit to the Broadcasting Council.
Broadcasting Council quotes Ambassador Fouere as saying that during the upcoming meeting of the Stabilization and Association Committee in Brussels, he would personally pledge for preservation and strengthening of the independence of the Broadcasting Council as a regulatory broadcasting authority
The Council undergoes problems of political nature, however, it pledges to maintain independence and cope with such tendencies arising from the lack of institutional dialogue, Ambassador Fouere said during his visit to the Broadcasting Council.
Broadcasting Council quotes Ambassador Fouere as saying that during the upcoming meeting of the Stabilization and Association Committee in Brussels, he would personally pledge for preservation and strengthening of the independence of the Broadcasting Council as a regulatory broadcasting authority
5.07.2007
EUROPE DAY 2007
Date Time Place Event Participants Partner organisation
26 April
Thursday 12:00 – 13:00 Holiday Inn
Skopje
Press Conference on the Europe Day
celebration activities Ambassador Erwan Fouéré European Movement, JEF, EBA,
Youth for Youth
29 April
Sunday 11:00 – 11:30 Sport Hall
”Rasadnik” Opening of the Karate Tournament Patrick Paquet, First Secretary (EU Mission),
Children Karate Associations Karate Association
1 May
Tuesday 10:00 – 11:00 Berovo Lecture: "The History of EU" Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
JEF members + other NGOs
Young European Federalists
(JEF)
2 May
Wednesday 12:00 – 14:00 Veles
Panel Discussion: "European standards for
protection of environment: challenges or
end to the agony of Veles"
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
SEA representative, local authorities, NGOs,
general public
European Movement
10:00 – 11:00 Skopje
Official Opening of XIII European
Students' Symposium on Environment
EuroEnviro 2007
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
local authorities, students, young people Youth for Youth
11:00 – 13:00 Strumica Panel Discussion:
"Visa Facilitation and European integration"
UK Ambassador Robert Chatterton Dickson,
SEA representative, local authorities, NGOs,
general public
European Movement
13:00 – 15:00 Strumica
Workshops: visa regime, European
standards & values, what can young people
do for the European integration process
JEF members + other NGOs JEF
3 May
Thursday
16:00 – 18:00 Kavadarci
Panel Discussion:
"Macedonia in the Common Agricultural
Policy"
Joan Pearce, First Counsellor (EU Mission),
SEA representative, local authorities, students,
young people, NGO representatives,
general public
European Movement
10:00 – 11:00 Skopje Visit to Canyon Matka
as part of EuroEnviro 2007
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
JEF members + other NGOs Youth for Youth
11:00 – 13:00 Prilep Panel Discussion:
"Euro regions and small businesses"
Patrick Paquet, First Secretary (EU Mission),
SEA representative, local authorities, local
authorities, NGOs, general public
European Movement
13:00 – 15:00 Prilep
Workshops: visa regime, European
standards & values, what can young people
do for the European integration process
JEF members + other NGOs JEF
4 May
Friday
15:00 – 17:00 Bitola Panel Discussion: “Euro regions and
Cross-border Cooperation"
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré, Dutch Ambassador
Frederique M. de Man, SEA representative,
local authorities, NGOs, general public
European Movement
Date Time Place Event Participants Partner organisation
5 May
Saturday 12:00 – 15:00 Bitola
Multi-media European Happening
(primary and secondary students present all
25 EU MS, cultural programme)
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
general public European Movement
6 May Sunday 10:00 – 14:00 Vodno European Flag Day (placing of EU and
Macedonian flag on Vodno)
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
Mountain climbing associations, general public European Movement
11:00 – 13:00 Gostivar Panel Discussion: "Educational reform on
the road to the EU"
Austrian Ambassador Philipp Hoyos,
SEA representative, local authorities,
students, NGO representatives, general public
European Movement
12:00 – 13:00
SEE University
Tetovo
Macedonian Universities Gathering:
Competition in oratorical skills on: "The 50th
Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome"
Joan Pearce, Counsellor (EU Mission),
students from several universities
in the country
European Movement
13:00 – 15:00 Gostivar
Workshops: visa regime, European
standards & values, what can young people
do for the European integration process
JEF members + other NGOs JEF
7 May
Monday
20:00 Army Hall
Skopje
Concert of the Bulgarian
Military Orchestra Bulgarian Embassy + Ministry of
Defence
09:30 – 13:30 Parliament
Building
International conference: "Together
towards Europe: going backwards or
forward"
MPs,
Konrad Adenauer Foundation
European Movement
Parliament
8 May
Tuesday
19:00 – 21:00 Mala Stanica
Solemn Academy
Awarding the "European Contribution for
2006" & the best speech at the SEEU event
on oratorical skills
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
government representatives, international
community, NGOs
European Movement
10:00 – 11:00 Holiday Inn
Skopje
Opening of the European Day of
the Entrepreneur
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
business community, Government
representatives, international community
European Business Association
12:00 – 13:00 Primary School
"Ljuben Lape"
Awarding Ceremony for best
artistic work
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré
students
Primary School "Ljuben Lape"
Municipality of Aerodrom Skopje
18:00 – 20:00 City of Skopje
Museum Europe Day Reception
9 May
Wednesday
21:00 Ramstore Mall
Skopje
Opening of Photo Exhibition: "Eco-
Tourism discovering the hidden natural
treasure" part of EuroEnviro 2007
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
young people,
general public
Youth for Youth
13 May
Sunday 11:00 – 15:00 Skopje Running Races Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
general public
Sport Union, City of Skopje
Agency for Youth & Sports
19 May
Saturday 17:00 – 18:00 Swimming
pool "Karpos"
Swimming Contest
"Aquatic EuroSwim 2007"
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
young swimmers, sport associations
Swimming Club
"Aquatic", Skopje
Date Time Place Event Participants Partner organisation
26 April
Thursday 12:00 – 13:00 Holiday Inn
Skopje
Press Conference on the Europe Day
celebration activities Ambassador Erwan Fouéré European Movement, JEF, EBA,
Youth for Youth
29 April
Sunday 11:00 – 11:30 Sport Hall
”Rasadnik” Opening of the Karate Tournament Patrick Paquet, First Secretary (EU Mission),
Children Karate Associations Karate Association
1 May
Tuesday 10:00 – 11:00 Berovo Lecture: "The History of EU" Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
JEF members + other NGOs
Young European Federalists
(JEF)
2 May
Wednesday 12:00 – 14:00 Veles
Panel Discussion: "European standards for
protection of environment: challenges or
end to the agony of Veles"
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
SEA representative, local authorities, NGOs,
general public
European Movement
10:00 – 11:00 Skopje
Official Opening of XIII European
Students' Symposium on Environment
EuroEnviro 2007
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
local authorities, students, young people Youth for Youth
11:00 – 13:00 Strumica Panel Discussion:
"Visa Facilitation and European integration"
UK Ambassador Robert Chatterton Dickson,
SEA representative, local authorities, NGOs,
general public
European Movement
13:00 – 15:00 Strumica
Workshops: visa regime, European
standards & values, what can young people
do for the European integration process
JEF members + other NGOs JEF
3 May
Thursday
16:00 – 18:00 Kavadarci
Panel Discussion:
"Macedonia in the Common Agricultural
Policy"
Joan Pearce, First Counsellor (EU Mission),
SEA representative, local authorities, students,
young people, NGO representatives,
general public
European Movement
10:00 – 11:00 Skopje Visit to Canyon Matka
as part of EuroEnviro 2007
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
JEF members + other NGOs Youth for Youth
11:00 – 13:00 Prilep Panel Discussion:
"Euro regions and small businesses"
Patrick Paquet, First Secretary (EU Mission),
SEA representative, local authorities, local
authorities, NGOs, general public
European Movement
13:00 – 15:00 Prilep
Workshops: visa regime, European
standards & values, what can young people
do for the European integration process
JEF members + other NGOs JEF
4 May
Friday
15:00 – 17:00 Bitola Panel Discussion: “Euro regions and
Cross-border Cooperation"
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré, Dutch Ambassador
Frederique M. de Man, SEA representative,
local authorities, NGOs, general public
European Movement
Date Time Place Event Participants Partner organisation
5 May
Saturday 12:00 – 15:00 Bitola
Multi-media European Happening
(primary and secondary students present all
25 EU MS, cultural programme)
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
general public European Movement
6 May Sunday 10:00 – 14:00 Vodno European Flag Day (placing of EU and
Macedonian flag on Vodno)
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
Mountain climbing associations, general public European Movement
11:00 – 13:00 Gostivar Panel Discussion: "Educational reform on
the road to the EU"
Austrian Ambassador Philipp Hoyos,
SEA representative, local authorities,
students, NGO representatives, general public
European Movement
12:00 – 13:00
SEE University
Tetovo
Macedonian Universities Gathering:
Competition in oratorical skills on: "The 50th
Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome"
Joan Pearce, Counsellor (EU Mission),
students from several universities
in the country
European Movement
13:00 – 15:00 Gostivar
Workshops: visa regime, European
standards & values, what can young people
do for the European integration process
JEF members + other NGOs JEF
7 May
Monday
20:00 Army Hall
Skopje
Concert of the Bulgarian
Military Orchestra Bulgarian Embassy + Ministry of
Defence
09:30 – 13:30 Parliament
Building
International conference: "Together
towards Europe: going backwards or
forward"
MPs,
Konrad Adenauer Foundation
European Movement
Parliament
8 May
Tuesday
19:00 – 21:00 Mala Stanica
Solemn Academy
Awarding the "European Contribution for
2006" & the best speech at the SEEU event
on oratorical skills
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
government representatives, international
community, NGOs
European Movement
10:00 – 11:00 Holiday Inn
Skopje
Opening of the European Day of
the Entrepreneur
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
business community, Government
representatives, international community
European Business Association
12:00 – 13:00 Primary School
"Ljuben Lape"
Awarding Ceremony for best
artistic work
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré
students
Primary School "Ljuben Lape"
Municipality of Aerodrom Skopje
18:00 – 20:00 City of Skopje
Museum Europe Day Reception
9 May
Wednesday
21:00 Ramstore Mall
Skopje
Opening of Photo Exhibition: "Eco-
Tourism discovering the hidden natural
treasure" part of EuroEnviro 2007
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
young people,
general public
Youth for Youth
13 May
Sunday 11:00 – 15:00 Skopje Running Races Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
general public
Sport Union, City of Skopje
Agency for Youth & Sports
19 May
Saturday 17:00 – 18:00 Swimming
pool "Karpos"
Swimming Contest
"Aquatic EuroSwim 2007"
Ambassador Erwan Fouéré,
young swimmers, sport associations
Swimming Club
"Aquatic", Skopje
2007 Europe Day celebration
On 9 May 1950 in Paris, the French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman read to the international press a declaration calling France, Germany and other European countries to pool together their coal and steel production as "the first concrete foundation of a European federation". The declaration, issued against the background of the threat of a Third World War engulfing the whole of Europe, is considered to be the first move towards the creation of what is now known as the European Union. Mr Schuman proposed the creation of a supranational European Institution, the High Authority, to look after the management of the coal and steel industry, the very sector which was, at that time, the basis of all military power. The countries which he called upon had almost destroyed each other in a dreadful conflict which had left after it a sense of material and moral desolation. During the Milan Summit in 1985, the EU leaders decided to celebrate 9 May as "Europe Day".
5.04.2007
LE PALAIS DE L’ELYSÉE, TGV AND THE MACEDONIAN WAGON
On May 6th 2007, the French will elect their new Président de la République replacing the Monsieur Jacques Chirac ruling the country for 12 years and paving the way for new and fresh flow of ideas in French and EU foreign affairs. The primary reason for the EU’s and candidate countries high tempered interest in French election is that its outcome will determine the future of the Union itself. Macedonia, as a candidate country sees its own interest in the French presidential election through the lenses of the enlargement process and the process of institutional reform without which it seems that the enlargement can not continue. Many EU representatives including the enlargement commissioner Mr. Olli Rehn repeat the guaranties given that all Western Balkan countries have a future in the EU. Even so, these statements were given with prudence: that the speed of enlargement must take in account the EU’s “absorption capacity”, later renamed into “integration capacity”1. Following elections in the Europe’s three largest economies— with Angela Merkel as German Chancellor, Gordon Brown as the most probable Britain’s next prime minister and the new French President—the long waited process of reforms in the Union can begin commence. It is expected that after the elections France will take its position as a leader and promoter of the European integration process (a foreign policy concept that its political elites have invented) on the arms of the revised text of the rejected EU constitution. This article briefly sketches the two presidential candidate’s political agendas from a standpoint of an EU candidate country. Which of the two candidates programs concerning EU is more suitable and appropriate for Macedonia?The two candidates that will face each other in the second-round of the presidential runoff are the centre-right candidate Monsieur Nicolas Sarkozy, from the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP), and Madame Ségolène Royal from the Socialist Party.
In the first-round of the election, Mr. Sarkozy garnered 31% of the vote, while Ms. Royal, bidding to be France's first female leader, took nearly 26%2. Although different in their views and ideas about the future of the EU, the enlargement process and the so-needed political reforms, both of the candidates remain pro-European oriented. They agree on one thing only, that resubmitting the existing EU constitutional text to the French electorate is not an option. However, the big challenge that lies ahead concerning the institutional reforms of the Union itself is how to push them forward following the French and Dutch rejection of the Constitution two years ago, while keeping in mind the voters concerns and belief about the document. The process of reforms was renewed under the German EU presidency, targeting at a new treaty in time for the 2009 election of the European Parliament. In this sense, the centre-right candidate, Mr. Sarkozy has proposed very reserved proposal, submitting new slim line constitutional treaty or traité simplifié which could be passed in the Assemblée nationale as a standard treaty revision, or put in a different way, simplified European treaty without a need of being submitted to a referendum. In effect he is revisiting some of the old Constitutional policies, such as creating a new position of EU Foreign Affairs Minister, increasing the budget for European Defense3 and implementing new rules in relation to majority voting as a voting procedure4. On the contrary, the centre-left candidate, Ms. Royal has proposed submitting some kind of new alternative, very imprecise new EU treaty with ‘social protocol’ for approval to national referenda5. With it, she wants to combat unemployment and relocation, and establish a minimum wage in each member state6, a high-risk tactic that may throw the EU yet again into a long period of uncertainty.
Which candidate is better for Macedonia? Sarko or Ségo? Which of the two candidates suits better Macedonia’s EU integration interests? To further the process of enlargement, the new EU treaty has to be reached by 2009. Without it, there should be no more expansion, as Mr. Rehn repeated couple of times this year. In this sense, Mr. Sarkozy proposal about traité simplifié is more appropriate for candidate countries like Macedonia. With this kind of procedure, the odds for reaching EU consensus on the new Treaty are significantly higher. It will considerably decrease the possibility of another failure and stagnation of the Union as the one two years ago. The EU oriented foreign policy of the son and grandson of immigrants (his father was Hungarian, his maternal grandfather a Jew from Salonika) is a better option for Macedonia.
Endnotes:
1 Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn assessment on the term ‘integration capacity’ is based on three components: Institutional, EU policy impact and EU budget
2 French contenders set for run-off, BBC News Europe, April 23, 2007 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6582479.stm
3 Tous les programmes des candidats à la présidentielle 2007, Le Monde, March 16, 2007 http://www.lemonde.fr/web/articleinteractif/0,410@2-823448,49-822922@45-3054,0.html
4 Europe : le programme des candidats, Le Monde, March 13, 2007
http://www.lemonde.fr/web/articleinteractif/0,410@2-823448,49-895888@45-3371,0.html
5 Europe : le programme des candidats, Le Monde, March 13, 2007
http://www.lemonde.fr/web/articleinteractif/0,410@2-823448,49-895888,0.html
6 Tous les programmes des candidats à la présidentielle 2007, Le Monde, March 16, 2007 http://www.lemonde.fr/web/articleinteractif/0,410@2-823448,49-822922@45-3053,0.html
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European House Skopje is an NGO in Macedonia that promotes European values, democracy, human rights, and regional cooperation. Its...
