Commissioner Füle opens the second session of the High Level Accession Dialogue in Skopje

07/05/2012

Commissioner Štefan Füle and the Prime Minister of the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia opened the second session of the High Level Accession Dialogue (HLAD) in Skopje on 7 May, reviewing the progress achieved in the reform efforts since the HLAD was first launched last March and discussing the next set of issues for the next session of the Dialogue in September. The HLAD aims to provide the support of the European Commission for the accession process of the country through a structures high level discussion on the main reform challenges and opportunities. Commissioner Füle started his visit in Skopje by meeting the president of the Parliament Trajko Veljanoski and discussing with the members of the NCEI which is a cross party body encompassing also representatives of the civil society. Commissioner Fule underlined the importance for the HLAD to be in

EU supports historic step in regional cooperation between Western Balkan countries on refugees and displaced persons

24/04/2012A Conference on housing solutions for refugees and displaced persons was organised in Sarajevo on 24 April to underline the international community's firm support to close the refugee chapter across the region. On the occasion, the international donor community has pledged € 261 million in support of the Regional Housing Programme, with the overall EU pledge reaching € 230 million. The conference was chaired by Mr. Damir Ljubić – Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina and introductory speeches held by Mr. Antonio Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Lamberto Zannier, Secretary General of the OSCE, Mr. Joost Korte, Deputy Director-General at DG ELARG and Mr. David Robinson, Acting Assistant Secretary of State of the US. Commissioner Štefan Füle also attended the event and delivered

Commissioner Füle met with the Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Musa Xhaferri of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

22/02/2012Under the campaign slogan ‘So similar, so different, so European’, a new video clip produced by the European Commission encourages the viewer to challenge their perception of the countries of Southeast Europe that are hoping to join the EU. The video forms part of a wider campaign that aims at raising awareness and showing another side of the region.  In addition to the video clip, a well-stocked and up-to-date media corner featuring additional photographic and video coverage is made available for journalists.

Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Štefan Füle on the passing of Kiro Gligorov, former President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

03/01/2012"Following the news that the former President Kiro Gligorov passed away on 1 January 2012 at the age of 94, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton and Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neigbourhood Policy Štefan Füle wish to express their condolences to the family of Mr Gligorov and to the citizens of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. As president from 1991 until 1999 Mr Gligorov guided his country into and through critical transitions, including the peacefully achieved independence from the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia. Taking the country forward on that new path, he made important decisions to the benefit of the citizens based on his long experience and knowledge of his country. May he rest in peace."

EU reinstates trade preferences for the Western Balkans until 2015

30/12/2011The European Union re-established the exceptional autonomous trade preferences on 30 December, which it grants to all Western Balkan countries including Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/1999, until the end of 2015. Western Balkan economies will therefore continue as of 1 January 2011 to benefit from an unlimited duty-free access to the EU market for nearly all products originating in these countries and territories. Together with the bilateral Stabilisation and Association Agreements (SAAs) in place with all Western Balkan countries except Kosovo, these trade preferences support economic integration with the EU and hence foster political stability and economic progress in the entire region. The autonomous trade preferences should allow all Western Balkan countries to further benefit from the preferential trade regime, where this is more beneficial than the treatment foreseen in the SAAs.

EU continues to assist the enlargement countries through a revised Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA)

07/12/2011

A proposal for a revised Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) was adopted today by the European Commission, building on positive experience from the current assistance. The total amount proposed is €14,110 million over the period 2014-2020. The objectives of the revised assistance are to better translate political priorities into key actions, focusing on specific policy areas. The needs of the beneficiaries will be more closely addressed and the administrative burden reduced. The assistance will be more coherent, more effective and will help leverage more investments. Through IPA, the EU will continue to assist the enlargement countries in implementing the comprehensive reforms needed for future membership. Emphasis is put on regional cooperation, implementation of EU laws and standards, and building the capacity to manage the Union's internal policies upon access

EU earmarks €5.5 billion for reforms in the Western Balkans, Turkey and Iceland

13/07/2011The European Commission has finalised its plans for financial support for ongoing reforms in the Western Balkans, Turkey and Iceland for the period of 2011–2013. The plans, called Multi-Annual Indicative Planning Documents (MIPDs), outline a revised strategy for funding under the Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance (IPA) and will focus on areas such as reform of the judiciary and public administration, regional cooperation, fight against organised crime and corruption. "The funds should act as a catalyst to drive forward reform in the enlargement countries and support the countries along their path of European integration. The EU assistance will also directly impact upon the daily lives of citizens by contributing to improved rule of law, governance, social conditions and economic prospects, particularly important as a nu

New strategy for transport links with enlargement area and beyond

07/07/2011The European Commission launched on 7 July the new Neighbourhood Transport Action Plan to strengthen transport links with neighbouring regions to the East and South of of the EU. This roadmap has concrete measures and actions to achieve Commission's goals in the field of transport, in partnerships with the countries and societies both within and beyond the enlargement area. The roadmap will also contribute to improved mobility and connections within the region, thereby supporting macro-regional strategies such as the EU Strategy for the Danube Region.

Beyond 2013: integrated pre-accession assistance

30/06/2011

The European Commission presented today its financial priorities for the years 2014-2020. The proposal sets aside 12.5 billion* for the EU enlargement policy, allowing for a continuation of the current levels of support for candidate and potential candidate countries. Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle said: "The Commission's proposal to maintain the current levels of pre-accession assistance will allow the EU to continue strong support for our partners' efforts to prepare for accession and advance their reforms. This will ultimately benefit all of us through greater security and prosperity". More -->

Joint statement by HR/VP Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Štefan Füle on the parliamentary elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

08/06/2011"We welcome the competitive, transparent and well-administered parliamentary elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and congratulate the people, the political parties and responsible authorities for their contribution to this process. We call on the government to implement fully the conclusions and recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission. We are pleased to note that political parties have largely endorsed the election. The new government must swiftly resume the reforms necessary to continue the country's progress towards the European Union, and the opposition should contribute in a constructive manner in Parliament to the reform process", stated High Representative/Vice President Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Füle on 6 June following the parliamentary elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Putting freedom of expression at the heart of the accession process

12/05/2011''The European Commission will accept no deviation on the part of candidate countries from European Union standards on freedom of expression and the media'', Enlargement Commissioner Štefan Füle said in his speech at the Speak Up! Freedom of Expression and Media Conference in Brussels on 6 May. ''In the Western Balkans and Turkey, freedom of expression and the media are under threat. Too often, journalists have either been murdered or violently attacked," said the Commissioner, adding that he would put these issues at the heart of the accession process.

Commission to host a high level international conference on the issue of freedom of media

03/05/2011The European Commission will host on 6 May a high-level international conference entitled "Speak Up!" , in order to promote and emphasize the crucial importance of freedom of expression and media in the Western Balkans and Turkey. This event will bring together more than 400 participants who will have an opportunity to voice their concerns and point to possible ways that their situation could be improved. "Today, on the occasion the World Freedom of Press day, let me reiterate that freedom of expression and media is not ensured just by adopting laws and creating institutions – it is a fundamental value, which needs to be cherished by all societies and without which no democracy can function", stated Commissioner Füle on 3 May.

European Commission to host a conference on freedom of expression and media

15/04/2011European Commission will host a high-level international conference "Speak Up !" on 6 May, in order to promote and emphasize the crucial importance of freedom of expression and media in the Western Balkans and Turkey. On 14 April, three weeks ahead of the conference, Commissioner Štefan Füle met with journalists from the region to discuss the current situation with regard to freedom of expression and media. The meeting offered journalists an opportunity to voice their concerns and point to possible ways that their situation could be improved. On this occasion, Mr Füle said "Freedom of expression is not ensured just by adopting laws and creating institutions – it is a fundamental value, which needs to be cherished by all societies and without which no democracy can function."

Western Balkans – towards a more integrated Europe

14/04/2011

"The enlargement process is not just about ticking boxes, it is about a transformational agenda which impacts the entire structure of a country. Each of these countries holds its European future in its hands. And the pace of its accession process depends on its progress on key reforms. They have to deliver on their commitments. This calls for strong ownership and strong leadership. This calls for mutual respect and a willingness to work together", stated European Commission President José Manuel Barroso on 14 April at the Joint Parliamentary Meeting in Brussels.

Commission President meets with Mr Lukšić and Mr Gruevski

10/04/2011

President Barroso and Commissioner Füle met with Igor Lukšić, Prime Minister of Montenegro and Nikola Gruevski, Prime Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on 8 and 9 April. In Podgorica, President Barroso noted that Montenegro is at a decisive stage and that its candidate status is a fair recognition of its achievements. It should, however, build on this dynamic and intensify its good work. In Ohrid, Mr Barroso discussed a number of important issues regarding the country’s accession path to the European Union and agreed two concrete steps with the Prime Minister: the establishment of a High-Level Accession Dialogue, which would take place twice a year, to speed up the implementation of needed reforms and an Economic Policy Conference that addresses strategic challenges.

Support for projects worth over €6 billion approved

07/04/2011The first annual report of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) was published on 25 March, detailing the new aid framework's contribution to economic development in the Western Balkans. An initiative of the European Union, it has resulted in international donors and financial institutions approving support for 73 projects worth over €6 billion in 2010. Commissioner Štefan Füle noted on this occasion: "In its first year, the WBIF has shown us an outstanding example of the role played by the European Union and the enlargement process in the region: helping to build roads, schools, water treatment plants. I appreciated cooperation with EIB and EBRD.” The WBIF was introduced as a regional tool for EU Enlargement and it aims to enhance harmonisation and co-operation in investments for the Western Balkans' socio-economic development.

Commission President Barroso and Commissioner Füle start their regional visit to the Western Balkans

07/04/2011European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and Commissioner Štefan Füle started their regional visit to the Western Balkans on 7 April. During the visit they will meet with the leaders of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as well as civil society representatives, to stress the Commission’s support to the European perspective of the Western Balkans region and to encourage further necessary reforms in the countries concerned to help accelerate their progress on the road towards EU. Following his meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Kosor, President Barroso noted that "Croatia must tackle the last difficult reforms before the accession process can be concluded. Now is the time for Croatia to walk the final mile!"

Commission outlines its Framework for Roma integration

05/04/2011The European Commission outlined its "EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020" on 5 April. Roma in enlargement countries face similar or even more serious problems than in many EU Member States: social exclusion, segregation and marginalisation, lack of education, chronic unemployment and widespread poverty. Lessons learned from past accessions suggest that promoting Roma integration requires an enhanced political commitment to Roma inclusion, the allocation of appropriate resources under the national budgets and a systematic evaluation and reinforced monitoring. Against this background, DG Enlargement, in cooperation with the relevant governments, is organising national Roma conferences in the region with the aim to review national strategies and action plans in terms of policy and programming.

Commissioner Štefan Fϋle welcomes Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski

25/03/2011On 25 March Commissioner Štefan Fϋle met with Mr Nikola Gruevski, Prime Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Mr Fϋle underlined that "2011 is an important year for the whole region. The countries there should spare no effort in creating a positive momentum for enlargement and it is important that Skopje is an active part of it. It is therefore essential that the name issue is solved. Otherwise there is a tangible risk that the country could fall behind in the accession process. The country has also to maintain the momentum of its own reform agenda. I pointed to the need for Skopje to make further progress on political dialogue, judiciary and public administration reform, fight against corruption and freedom of expression. These issues have already been underlined in our progress report 2010 and need to be addressed in a sustained effort in the coming months."

Launch of the European Union Youth Orchestra's Spring Tour 2011

15/03/2011On 15 March Commissioner Štefan Fϋle hosted a press conference to announce the 2011 Spring tour of the European Union Youth Orchestra. "[...]By including for the first time two pre-accession countries from the Western Balkans, Croatia and Serbia namely, in its tour this year, the orchestra delivers a powerful signal, similar to the work we all do together for a larger, stronger, united Europe. Just like this orchestra, enlargement has been successful in the past and can be a success in the future, making the EU not only bigger, but politically and economically stronger bringing peace, stability and prosperity for the new members", stated Commissioner Füle on the occasion.

European young journalists receive award for articles on EU enlargement

31/08/2009National winners of the European Young Journalist Award 2009 will visit Berlin for the winners' trip and final conference in celebration of their success and at the same time look back at the past 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The European Young Journalist Award is organised by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Enlargement in cooperation with the European Youth Press and Café Babel, and is one the largest pan-European competitions of its kind. The competition was open to young writers aged 17-35 from the EU member states as well as from candidate countries and potential candidates and attracted more than 600 articles.

Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn starts his visit of four Western Balkan countries

22/07/2009Today, Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn starts his visit of four Western Balkan countries. In the Republic of Serbia, he meets President Boris Tadic, Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic and Deputy Prime Ministers Djelic and Dacic. He will bring the good news on visa free travel, following the proposal of the Commission last week. He will also discuss Serbia's European integration. Mr Rehn will then continue to travel to Podgorica, Montenegro, where he has meetings with Mr Milo Djukanovic, Prime Minister, Mr Krivokapic, the Speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro, and Mr Vujanovic, the President of the Republic of Montenegro. Besides the good news on visa free travel Mr Rehn will also hand over the " questionnaire" to the Montenegrin authorities. The replies to the questionnaire are necessary for the Commission to prepare the opinion on Montenegro's application for EU membership.

The Commission proposes visa-free travel for citizens of three Western Balkan states

15/07/2009The European Commission proposed on 15 July that citizens of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro be able to travel to Schengen countries without visas from 1 January 2010. Once the proposal is approved, citizens of the three countries will in future only need a valid biometric passport to enter the Schengen countries, which include all EU members except the UK and Ireland, as well as Switzerland, Norway and Iceland. Granting visa free travel is a cornerstone of the EU's integration policy for the Western Balkans. Facilitating people to people contacts enhances business opportunities and gives the possibility for the people of the region to get to know the EU better.

Adoption of Recommendations on Visa Free Travel for Western Balkans

08/07/2009On 15 July, the European Commission will adopt a series of recommendations within a proposal for granting visa liberalisation to the Western Balkan countries. The submission of the proposal to EU Member States aims at enabling the citizens to travel without visas to the countries of the Schengen Area and confirms the European Commission's long-standing commitment to visa-free travel. Citizens of those countries benefiting of the visa-free regime will no longer have to go through the often time-consuming procedures that a visa application entails. Easier travelling to the EU can greatly contribute to the process of Balkan countries integration in the European Union.

400 cyclists from all over Europe celebrate with citizens of Belgrade the end of the Danube by bike

29/06/2009Danube by Bike Tour closing event in Belgrade: 400 cyclists from all over Europe celebrate with citizens of Belgrade on the banks of the Danube. The event marked the end and highlight of a 5-day trip along the Danube for participants from 25 European countries. The tour was organised and sponsored by the European Commission's Directorate General for Enlargement in cooperation with the European Cyclist Federation and was open to anyone who likes cycling, cares about the environment and wants to make new friends throughout Europe. Visit the photo gallery of the tour http://www.danubebybike.eu/

“Discover Europe in Motion”: Start of the Danube by Bike Tour 2009

23/06/2009Around 400 cycling enthusiasts from all over Europe (the EU member states, the Western Balkans and Turkey) are coming together today in Budapest and Bucharest to start the first European bike tour along the river Danube, a cycling event that will last from 23 to 27 June 2009. Organised by the European Commission in cooperation with the European Cyclists’ Federation, this event will give participants an opportunity to cycle through five Danube countries, experiencing the beauty of one of the most important rivers in Europe.

Launch of the IPA 2007 cross-border programme with Albania

17/06/2009On 2 June 2009, the IPA 2007 Cross-border Programme with the Republic of Albania was officially launched in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia at the press conference with Erwan Fouéré, the Head of the EC Delegation and the Minister of Local Self-Government Musa Xhaferri. The programme between the two countries will promote sustainable development in the border area. The joint actions and supported projects will have an impact on the social and economic situation of the population, improve the joint management and promotion of human, natural and cultural resources and strengthen the image and the cohesion of the area.

EU helps the modernisation of roads in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

08/05/2009Ambassador Erwan Fouéré, EU Special Representative and Head of EC Delegation and Mr Vladimir Talevski, Mayor of Bitola officially inaugurated the modernised M5 transit road in Bitola on 6 May 2009. The EU supported the revitalisation of the road with a total amount of € 738,000 under the Cross-Border Cooperation Neighbourhood Programme (CARDS 2004) with Greece, with an objective to ease the traffic on the transit road en route to Greece. This road is of special importance in the border area since it is the only mode of communication, in absence of railways. The road is now operational and improves significantly the absorption of traffic and its safety in the cross border area.

EU Enlargement updated strategy and progress reports available on line

05/11/2008The Commission's annual strategy document explaining its policy on EU enlargement has been adopted and become available on line. The document includes a summary of the progress made over the last twelve months by each candidate and potential candidate: Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, as well as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo (under UN Security Council Resolution 1244). In addition, the 2008 progress reports were published, where the Commission services monitor and assess the achievements of each of the candidate and potential candidates over the last year. Further information is available at the special page dedicated to the 2008 Enlargement "package".

New EU information centre in Skopje

20/10/2008The new European Union Information Centre of the EU Mission to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, has been officially opened on 15 October. The centre is located in its new premises on Mito Hadzivasilev Jasmin Street, in Skopje. The Information Centre is offering access to latest news, facts and figures, legal documents, texts, statistics, maps, books as well as to information about the opportunities for using the EU pre- accession funds or the community programmes.