Joint statement following the 13th meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Council between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the EU
The 13thmeeting of the Stabilisation and Association Council between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the European Union (SA Council) took place on 18 July 2017. The meeting was chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Nikola Dimitrov. For the EU i, the meeting was co-chaired by High Representative / Vice President of the Commission, Federica Mogherini i, while Commissioner Johannes Hahn i represented the European Commission. Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Mr. Bujar Osmani also participated.
The SA Council recalled that the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) remains at the core of the relationship between the EU and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia until the country's accession to the EU. The SA Council took note of the country's primary objective to open accession negotiations and acknowledged the new government's strong commitment to this purpose.
The SA Council discussed the "Plan 3-6-9", containing short, medium and long term plans and short-term measures to be implemented by the Government. Progress in implementing overdue EU-related reforms, starting with the implementation of the Pržino agreement and the Urgent Reform Priorities, would be an important basis for further discussion by the Council of the European Union.
The SA Council reviewed the key developments over the previous period relating to the fulfilment of the political criteria, as well as the state of play concerning the economic criteria, financial cooperation and the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. It noted the results of the Stabilisation and Association Committee held on 29 June.
Concerning the political criteria, the SA Council was informed of key political developments. It welcomed the intention of the new government to address outstanding reform issues in an inclusive, transparent and coherent manner. It recalled the importance that the government, together with the opposition, implements their commitments under the Pržino agreement and the Urgent Reform Priorities. It discussed the need to establish accountability for the wiretaps and the attacks in the Assembly on 27 April, to ensure judicial independence, freedom of media, freedom of expression, respect of human rights and public administration reform.
The SA Council called for more long-term confidence-building measures, at political level, and more pro-active policies to further increase trust and build bridges among communities.
The SA Council recalled that regional co-operation and good neighbourly relations remain essential and welcomed the first steps taken by the new government. It welcomed the country's active participation and constructive approach in regional cooperation initiatives.
The SA Council also acknowledged the country's efforts to address the challenge of the European migration and refugee crisis and expressed hope that mutually beneficial cooperation continues in the future.
Regarding economic developments, the SA Council recalled the targeted policy guidance agreed in May 2017 between the EU and Western Balkans and Turkey, on the Economic Reform Programmes, and encouraged the government to focus on their implementation and follow-up.
The SA Council welcomed the commitment of the government to invest greater efforts into increasing the absorption of EU funds. It noted the importance of sound financial management and the need for full compliance with the sector approach criteria, especially in public finance management, transport and the justice sector. Attention must also be paid to implementing the European Court of Auditors' recommendations.
The SA Council noted progress in various areas covered by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and welcomed the high level of trade integration with the EU. It outlined the importance of continuing to align with the EU acquis, especially in relation to the internal market, and the need to meet other international commitments, for instance on energy and transport connectivity. It also welcomed the recent signature of the Transport Community Treaty.