Overleg-comité sociale zaken opgericht tussen EU en Macedonië (en)

CES/09/112

21 September 2009

Launching of the first EU- The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Civil Society Joint Consultative Committee

On 25 September 2009, the EESC will host the first EU-The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Civil Society Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), a joint consultative body with the task of monitoring relations between the EU and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia from the point of view of civil society. The JCC will promote contacts and discussions between civil society representatives from both sides on issues of common interest.

Speakers at the event held to launch the JCC will include the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Mr Xhelal Bajrami , and Mr Dirk Lange , Director for Enlargement at the European Commission, representing the Commissioner for Enlargement, Mr Olli Rehn.

The two main items on the agenda will be the follow-up of relations between the EU and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the impact of the financial and economic crisis on the candidate country. The JCC will adopt recommendations to be addressed to the government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Council of the EU, the Commission and the European Parliament.

The decision to create the JCC was taken during the Fourth Stabilisation and Association Council, on 24 July 2007.

This newly established joint body, made up of 12 representatives of civil society from the EU and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (6 on each side), will meet twice a year. It will be co-chaired by Mrs Vladimíra Drbalovà , EESC Member (Employers' Group, Czech Republic) and Director for International Organisations and European Affairs of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, and by Mr Sašo Klekovski , Director of the Macedonian Centre for International Cooperation.