Macedonia’s Perspective of EU Membership
Macedonia’s Perspective of EU Membership

Summary/Abstract: The perspective of EU membership has proven to be a most effective instrument to sustain stability and to achieve much needed reforms in Macedonia like in the whole Southeast European region. Macedonia serves as an example for the rest of the region – barely five years after a grave conflict it was granted candidate status to join the EU. The EU’s decision taken in December 2005 to grant candidate status was recognition of the commitment of the country’s leaders to fully implement the Ohrid Framework Agreement and progress achieved in that respect. However, much effort is required to ensure continued inter-ethnic cooperation. Only through a continuous dialogue a broad consensus on crucial reforms can be attained. In a number of areas Macedonia still needs to deliver on its reform agenda: the full implementation of judicial reforms; fight against corruption; economic and administrative reforms. The country needs to get rid of an unhealthy degree of party influence over vital areas of society and in particular the economy. It should also remain fully committed to regional cooperation. The EU, meanwhile, will continue its support programmes that cover all vital sectors targeted for reform. After all, it is very important that the enlargement perspective be upheld.

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