D-MK - European Parliament

General documents - 21st EU-North Macedonia JPC meeting, 16-17 May 2023, Skopje - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 22 May 2023 12:13:33 GMT

The European Union-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee held its 21st meeting in Skopje on 16-17 May 2023, under the co-chairmanship of Mr Andreas SCHIEDER for the European Parliament Delegation and Ms Sonja MIRAKOVSKA for the Delegation of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia.

The main topics of the Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting were:

Rule of law and fight against corruption.
Civil society and media.
Measures to deal with pollution and the economic crisis.
Good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation.
Report on the Jean Monnet Dialogue.

Agenda
Adopted Recommendations

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Meeting of 15 September 2022, Strasbourg - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 07:33:48 GMT

The meeting included an exchange of views on the political and economic situation in the Republic of North Macedonia and its relations with the European Union in the presence of:

- Mr Mile PRANGOSKI, Chargé d'affaires, Mission of the Republic of North Macedonia to the EU

- Ms Michela MATUELLA, Head of Unit for North Macedonia, Albania, acting Director DG NEAR, European Commission

- Ms Elsa FENET, Head of Division 'Western Balkans', European External Action Service

Agenda
Meeting Dossier
Minutes

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Meeting of 24 April 2023, Brussels - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 07:27:01 GMT

The meeting included an exchange of views on the political and economic situation in the Republic of North Macedonia and its relations with the European Union in the presence of:

- Mr Zulfi ISMAILI, Ambassador, Head of Mission, Mission of the Republic of North Macedonia to the EU

- Ms Michela MATUELLA, Head of Unit for North Macedonia, Albania, DG NEAR, European Commission

- Ms Elsa FENET, Head of Division 'Western Balkans', European External Action Service

Agenda

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Statement by the Bureau of the EP delegation to the EU-North Macedonia JPC on the recent video by MEP Angel Dzhambazki, 31-3-2021 - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:03:42 GMT

The Bureau expreses concern over the video by an MEP, laying territorial claims to North Macedonia

Mr Andreas SCHIEDER (S&D, Austria), Chair of the D-MK, together with Ms Irena JOVEVA (RENEW, Slovenia) and Ms Marion WALSMANN (EPP, Germany), Vice-Chairs of the delegation, issued a joint statement condemning the inflammatory political campaigning:

"We express deep concern over the recent video by an MEP, laying territorial claims to North Macedonia by a party of the Bulgarian government and showing open disrespect to the European values, merely for the sake of political campaigning. This goes against the EU founding principles and the Treaty on Good Neighbourly Relations between the two countries.

We deeply regret that the video openly disrespects the progress and efforts made by North Macedonia on its EU path, as acknowledged by the European Parliament, EU institutions and its Member States.

European Union aims to promote peace, its democratic values and the well-being of citizens, overcome historical differences and work together for a joint future. We insist that Bulgaria and North Macedonia should continue their efforts towards good neighbourly relations and any actions violating this spirit should be avoided and deemed unacceptable.

We therefore call on the Bulgarian government, including the Prime Minister, to condemn this video issued by their government partner and distance themselves in the clearest terms from any inflammatory rhetoric seeking to gain political points and promote nationalist ideologies. We remind that enlargement policy must be driven by objective criteria, and not be impeded by unilateral interests.

We reiterate the support of the European Parliament to the country's strategic choice of its integration and ultimately EU membership, based on the rule of law, open democratic dialogue, multi-ethnic harmony and good neighbourly relations. We call for a swift adoption of the negotiating framework, with the aim of avoiding further delays and holding the first Intergovernmental Conference kick-starting accession talks during the Portuguese Council Presidency, and thereby acknowledging the country's efforts in the EU accession process."

Twitter

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Joint Statement by the Co-Chairs of the EU-North Macedonia JPC, following the 18th JPC meeting, 25-03-2021 - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:03:04 GMT

Failure to approve the formal start of accession negotiations undermines EU-s credibility, warn European and Macedonian parliamentarians in their joint statement.

Following the 18th Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting between the Assembly of North Macedonia (Sobranie) and the European Parliament, held remotely on 25 March 2021, Co-Chairs Mr Bilal KASAMI on behalf Sobranie and Mr Andreas SCHIEDER (S&D, AT) on behalf of the European Parliament:

CONCLUDED that North Macedonia and the EU remain committed to support the country's strategic choice of its integration and ultimately EU membership, based on the rule of law, open democratic dialogue, multi-ethnic harmony and good neighbourly relations. Despite the economic decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent budgetary difficulties, North Macedonia keeps a steady pace in adopting outstanding acquis communautaire in key areas.

REGRETTED the European Council's failure to approve the negotiating framework for North Macedonia, thus undermining the Union's credibility and reducing the EU's transformative power in the Western Balkans.

REMINDED the EU Member States that enlargement policy must be driven by objective criteria, and not be impeded by unilateral interests; in this context, CALLED for a swift adoption of the negotiating framework, with the aim of avoiding further delays and holding the first Intergovernmental Conference kick-starting accession talks during the Portuguese Council Presidency.

AGREED that the Conference on the Future of Europe should appropriately include and actively engage representatives of North Macedonia and other Western Balkan countries, both at the governmental and at the civil society level.

STRESSED that further and consistent efforts are needed to implement the outstanding EU-related reforms for the benefit of all citizens of North Macedonia, paying special attention to women, youth, persons with disabilities, non-majority ethnic groups and communities, LGBTQI+ persons, low-skilled unemployed or people living in remote rural areas. This will require a true joint engagement and consensus of all domestic stakeholders.

CALLED on lawmakers and all political parties of North Macedonia to take steps to improve the representation of women in all elected and appointed decision-making positions, following the positive trends in parliamentary representation facilitated by mandatory gender quotas.

ENCOURAGED the completion of judicial, security and intelligence services reforms, including establishment of mechanisms for parliamentary and civil society oversight. Financial, operational and functional independence are substantial conditions to put this in practice.

REITTERATED the importance of conducting the 2021 Population and Housing Census in a constructive manner and in line with the European statistical standards and EU Regulations. The Co-Chairs also welcomed the continuous support of EUROSTAT to the State Statistical Office of North Macedonia.

UNDERLINED the need to implement the outstanding OSCE/ODHIR recommendations towards electoral legislation review with special attention to voters' lists accuracy.

CALLED for a greater political engagement and budgetary allocations to implement the 2020 Sofia Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans towards ambitious environmental protection, sustainable development plans, including through restrictions on hydropower development in protected areas, preserving biodiversity and ensuring environmental liability and just energy transition.

REMINDED of the importance of the Instrument of Pre-Accession (IPA III) and the Western Balkans Economic and Investment Plan as important tools for EU reforms implementation and called for strategic investments and capacity building towards North Macedonia's administrative absorption capacity to manage the funds efficiently and effectively.

WELCOMED the adoption of the European Parliament resolution on the 2019-2020 Commission Reports on North Macedonia in Foreign Affairs Committee on 4 March and appreciated the final vote of the report in the plenary sitting on 25 March 2021

EP Press Release: Enlargement reports: MEPs fully support Western Balkans' European future, 25.03.2021

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - MEPs urge the Council to stop delaying EU accession talks further, 8 December 2020 - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:02:42 GMT

In the run-up to next meeting of European Affairs ministers today, MEPs call on the Council to approve the negotiating frameworks for North Macedonia and Albania.

In the statement on North Macedonia and Albania, signed by more than 20 MEPs, representatives of political groups urge all parties involved to find a solution to ensure that accession negotiations will begin before the end of the year.

Warning that current hold-up in accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania is jeopardizing the European Union's credibility in the Western Balkans, they call on Bulgaria and North Macedonia to find a compromise on pending bilateral issues to avoid delaying the accession process any further.

Bulgaria should approve the opening of the intergovernmental conference (IGC) with North Macedonia as soon as possible and in any case in December, thereby acknowledging the country's efforts in the EU accession process. North Macedonia, in its role as a future accession country, should also make every effort possible from its side to resolve the outstanding issues, stress MEPs in their statement.

Albania also deserves to move forward on its path to EU accession, say MEPs, pointing to its comprehensive efforts to reform, in particular in the justice sector, over the last few years, as well as the Commission's positive assessment. They add that effort is also needed by Albania in several areas, on its way to meet all the conditions laid out in the Council Conclusions.

You can read the full statement and the list of signatories here.

MEPs urge the Council to stop delaying EU accession talks further

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - North Macedonia's EU formal talks must start now, 18 November 2020 - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:02:25 GMT

MEPs: North Macedonia's EU formal talks must start now

Ilhan Kyuchyuk and Andreas Schieder warn that further delays to accession discussions will seriously harm the reconciliation gains and progress in the region.

Following the EU Council's decision to postpone EU accession talks with North Macedonia, Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew, BG) - Parliament's standing rapporteur for North Macedonia - and Andreas Schieder (S&D, AT) - Chair of Parliament's delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee - said:

"The failure of European Affairs ministers to approve the negotiating framework of North Macedonia, thus delaying the EU accession talks, puts the Union's credibility in the Western Balkans at risk. Prioritizing unilateral interests over a joint European solution and the lack of political will to overcome differences sends the wrong message to our (Western Balkan) partners. Now is the time to work through this impasse towards the joint future.

Due to a failure to find a compromise between Bulgaria and North Macedonia, the General Council's unanimity was broken by Bulgaria's veto. Further delays to accession talks, despite the candidate country's efforts in EU approximation, can seriously harm the reconciliation gains in the region.

We acknowledge progress made by Skopje in fundamental democratic and economic reforms and call upon all parties to continue a constructive dialogue based on good neighbourly relations and the implementation of the Friendship Treaty, in line with a predictable, objective, and merit-based reformed EU accession process. Holding the first official intergovernmental conference by the end of 2020 would be a clear result of such a dialogue."

North Macedonia's EU formal talks must start now

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - North Macedonia: credible elections set ground for continued reforms, 16 July 2020 - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:02:12 GMT

MEPs hope for consensus on the EU agenda, with the parliamentary majority and the opposition working together for the future of the country.

Following the general elections in North Macedonia on 15 July, European Parliament's standing rapporteur for North Macedonia Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew, BG) and the Chair of the European Parliament's delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee Andreas Schieder (S&D, AT) said:

"We welcome the orderly and impartial conduct of competitive elections held under the challenging circumstances of COVID-19. A considerable turnout despite of the pandemic shows a high level of civic engagement in deciding the future of the country.

Voters and political forces alike have demonstrated a political maturity, setting an important milestone for further democratic consolidation in the country.

The soon-to-be-formed Parliament and the Government will play a key role in building consensus and driving the reform process forward. We look forward towards a formation of a solid stable majority that can take a political responsibility for the European future of the country. Such a coalition should rally around a strong, inclusive, reformist consensus and inter-ethnic cooperation. It is essential that following the formation of the governing bodies, the parliamentary majority and the opposition work hand in hand for the future of the country. Now more than ever, a consensus on the EU agenda, based on the inclusive societal dialogue, will play a key role. Therefore we encourage the new government to continue the pro-European and reform oriented course of the last years.

We urge the EU Member States to swiftly agree on the negotiating framework, to be followed by the scheduling of the first intergovernmental conference that will kick-start the accession talks still this year. The accession negotiations will be an additional driving force for strengthening the rule of law in fundamental areas, such as human rights, media freedom and the fight against corruption.

The European Parliament is committed to a continued engagement with the Sobranie, building upon the previous sessions of the Jean Monnet Dialogue, and with the Government, which should demonstrate its continued commitment to the rule of law reforms and effectively address economic, social, healthcare and environmental challenges.

We urge the authorities to take note of the preliminary conclusions on the electoral process issued by a special election assessment mission (SEAM) of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and look forward to a timely implementation of recommendations of its forthcoming final report, expected by an early autumn." (...)

The complete text of the press release in the below link.

North Macedonia: credible elections set ground for continued reforms, 16 July 2020

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Elections in North Macedonia: crucial test of democratic maturity, 29 June 2020 - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 11:57:45 GMT

Leading MEPs call for a transparent, credible and objective election campaign, free from disinformation and intimidation.

Following the announcement that general elections in North Macedonia will be held on 15 July, European Parliament's standing rapporteur for North Macedonia Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew, BG), Chair of the European Parliament's delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) Andreas Schieder (S&D, AT) and its Vice-Chair Marion Walsmann (EPP, DE) said:
"On 15 July, the people of North Macedonia will exercise their political right to decide who will govern the country during the next four years, steering it through the crucial phases of demanding EU accession talks.

Under the current challenging circumstances, we call upon all political forces in the country to be responsible and follow through on commitments undertaken in the Code for Fair Democratic Elections, enabling the country to successfully pass a crucial democratic test.
We urge the authorities to ensure a fair and smooth electoral process in line with international obligations and standards, to be held following adequate protective health measures.

Political parties, relevant state bodies including the election administration, civil society and the media have a joint duty to ensure a transparent, credible and objective election campaign, free from disinformation and intimidation.

The historic agreements with Bulgaria and Greece are at the very centre of North Macedonia's European future, enhancing reconciliation and good neighbourly relations across the European continent.

Through inclusiveness, tolerance and positive diplomacy, North Macedonia has demonstrated its commitment to overcoming internal and external divisions, setting an example for the whole neighbourhood. Continuation of the inter-party dialogue after the elections is of utmost importance.

The newest NATO member needs political certainty to advance in its democratic consolidation and transformation process. Following the elections, the EU stands ready to continue to give its support to the newly-elected Sobranie and the Government.

Fully functional institutions, kept accountable by an engaged and committed opposition, will be needed to guide the country to a post-pandemic recovery, to continue with EU-related reforms and to deliver on the European aspirations of citizens of North Macedonia.

We welcome European Commission's efforts to present the draft negotiating framework as soon as possible and urge Member States to adopt it without delay. "

Background

Early general elections in North Macedonia were originally planned for 12 April but then put on hold due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The country is now being run by a caretaker government that was originally tasked with organising the polls and the Parliament is currently not in session.
North Macedonia submitted its membership application in 2004 and became a candidate for accession to the EU in 2005.

On 26 March, the European Council endorsed the decision to open accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania.

The Commission is finalising the documents setting out the draft frameworks that will be used to negotiate Albania and North Macedonia's accessions to the EU, once they have been adopted by the Council.

The publication of the European Commission's enlargement package has been postponed until autumn due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Elections in North Macedonia: crucial test of democratic maturity

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - 20th EU-North Macedonia JPC meeting, 5-6 October 2022, Strasbourg - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 11:50:12 GMT

The JPC, consisting of MEPs and Members of the Assembly of North Macedonia, held its meeting at an important and politically sensitive moment for both North Macedonia and the EU, following the Russian aggression on Ukraine and the ongoing war, and coincided with the first weeks of the screening process.

The meeting was chaired by the two JPC co-Chairs, Andreas SCHIEDER and Sonja MIRAKOVSKA. Members of the two component delegations held an exchange of views on the situation in North Macedonia with Bojan MARICIKJ, Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs, Government of North Macedonia; Michela MATUELLA, Acting Director for Western Balkans in DG Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission; Elsa FENET, Head of Division 'South East Europe & Western Balkans' in the European External Action Service, and Ilhan KYUCHYUK, European Parliament's standing rapporteur on North Macedonia.

The JPC further discussed a wide range of topics, including the ongoing accession-related reforms, the rule of law and fight against organised crime and corruption, the energy crisis, environment, situation in the media and civil society, and regional cooperation and relations with neighbouring countries.

Final agenda
meeting dossier
Webstreaming 05-10-2022 15:30-19:00
Webstreaming 06-10-2022 9:00-12:00
Adopted Recommendations : [EN]

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - 19th EU-North Macedonia JPC meeting, 28-29 June 2022, Skopje - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 11:49:36 GMT

The European Union-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee held its 19th meeting in Skopje on 28-29 June 2022, under the co-chairmanship of Mr Andreas SCHIEDER for the European Parliament Delegation and Ms Sonja MIRAKOVSKA for the Delegation of the Assembly of Republic of North Macedonia.

The main topics of the Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting included:

- Exchange of views on the relations between the European Union and North Macedonia with representatives of the government of North Macedonia, of the European Commission and the European External Action Service

- Focus on the rule of law issues

- Environmental issues and health

- Civil society and media

- Good-neighbourly relations and regional cooperation

- Report on the Jean Monnet Dialogue

Agenda
meeting dossier
adopted Recommendations
Minutes

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - 18th EU-North Macedonia JPC meeting, 25 March 2021, remote - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 11:48:52 GMT

The European Union-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee held its 18th meeting on 25 March 2021 under the co-chairmanship of Mr Andreas SCHIEDER for the European Parliament Delegation and Mr Bilal KASAMI for the Delegation of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia.

The main topic of the Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting included the state of play of the EU-North Macedonia relations with focus on the outstanding EU acquis implementation, in the presence of:

Mr Nikola DIMITROV, Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs on behalf of the Government of North Macedonia,
Ms Genoveva RUIZ CALAVERA, Director for Western Balkans, Directorate General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations on behalf of the European Commission,
Mr Marko MAKOVEC, Deputy Managing Director for Western Europe, Western Balkans, Turkey and United Kingdom on behalf of the External Action Service.

Agenda
Meeting documents
Webstreaming
Joint Statement
Minutes

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - 17th EU-North Macedonia JPC meeting, 18-19 December 2019, Strasbourg - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 11:48:45 GMT

The European Union-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee held its 17th meeting in Strasbourg on 18 and 19 December 2019, under the co-chairmanship of Mr Andreas SCHIEDER for the European Parliament Delegation and Ms Sonja MIRAKOVSKA for the Delegation of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia.

The main topics of the Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting included:

Exchange of views on the relations between the European Union and North Macedonia with representatives of the government of North Macedonia, of the European Commission and the European External Action Service;
Rule of law, judiciary reforms and fight against organized crime and corruption;
Readiness of the electoral system and proposed reforms.

Agenda
Meeting documents
Webstreaming
Recommendations
Minutes

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Meeting of 5 May 2022, Strasbourg - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 13:41:54 GMT

The meeting included an exchange of views on the political and economic situation in the Republic of North Macedonia and its relations with the European Union in the presence of:

- Ambassador Agneza RUSI POPOVSKA, Mission of the Republic of North Macedonia to the EU

- Ms Michela MATUELLA, Head of Unit for North Macedonia, Albania, acting Director DG NEAR, European Commission

- Ms Elsa FENET, Head of Division 'Western Balkans', European External Action Service

Agenda
Meeting dossier
Minutes : [EN]

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - 2022 meetings calendar - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 14:04:59 GMT

Joint Interparliamentary meetings

20th EU-North Macedonia JPC

05-06 October 2022, Strasbourg

19th EU-North Macedonia JPC

28-29 June 2022, Skopje

Ordinary meetings

15 September 2022, Strasbourg

5 May 2022, Strasbourg

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Meeting of 7 December 2021, remote - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 23 May 2022 09:16:24 GMT

The meeting included exchange of views on the political, economic and pandemic situation in the Republic of North Macedonia, and its relations with the European Union, with

- Ambassador Agneza RUSI POPOVSKA, Mission of the Republic of North Macedonia to the EU

- Mr Alberto CAMMARATA, Deputy Head of Unit for North Macedonia and Albania, DG NEAR, European Commission

- Ms Elsa FENET, Head of Division 'Western Balkans', European External Action Service

Agenda
Meeting dossier
Minutes

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - 2021 meetings calendar - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:35:00 GMT

9th legislature

Joint Interparliamentary meetings

19th EU-North Macedonia JPC

21-22 December 2021, Skopje - postponed

18h EU-North Macedonia JPC

25 March 2021, remotely

Ordinary meetings

7 December 2021, 15:30-16:30, remotely

15 March 2021, 15:00-16:30, remotely

General documents - Joint meeting of 11 May 2021 on Gender Equality & Women's Rights, remote - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:28:35 GMT

A Joint Western Balkans and Turkey Delegations' Meeting on Gender Equality & Women's Rights took place remotely via Webex on 11 May 2021.

In this meeting, Members had the possibility to discuss the state of play in gender equality and women's rights with local civil society and academia experts.

The meeting was organised under the patronage of the Chairs of the EP Enlargement delegations and was presided by Mr Tonino Picula, Chair of the AFET Working group on the Western Balkans.

Agenda
Summary of the meeting
Poster
Minutes

General documents - Meeting of 15 March 2021, remote - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:27:54 GMT

The meeting included an exchange of views on the state of EU-North Macedonia relations and recent developments with:

H.E. Ms Agneza RUSI POPOVSKA, Ambassador of North Macedonia to the European Union, and
Mr David GEER, Head of EU Delegation to North Macedonia.

Also, there was an exchange of views with civil society representatives from North Macedonia on

environmental protection, water management and energy with Ms Ana COLOVIC LESOSKA, Eko-Svest, Executive Director,
intelligence oversight and fight against corruption with Mr Aleksandar STOJANOVSKI, Eurothink, Head of Administration and Senior Researcher,
inter-ethnic relations and non-majority communities with Ms Vlora RECHICA, Institute for Democracy-Societas Civilis Skopje, Researcher and Programme Manager.

Agenda
Meeting documents
Minutes

General documents - Meeting of 12 December 2019, Brussels - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:27:25 GMT

The meeting included an exchange of views on the political situation in the Republic of North Macedonia and on its relations with the European Union with:

H.E. Ms Agneza RUSI POPOVSKA, Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia to the EU,
Mr David CULLEN, Head of Unit for North Macedonia, Kosovo, DG NEAR,
Ms Elsa FENET, Head of Division 'Western Balkans', EEAS.

The delegation also considered the draft agenda and draft programme for the 17th EU-North Macedonia JPC meeting due to be held in Strasbourg on the 18-19 December 2019 and the appointment of first speakers.

Agenda 12 December 2019
Meeting documents 12 December 2019
Minutes 12 December 2019

General documents - Meeting of 23 October 2019, Brussels - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:26:58 GMT

The meeting included an exchange of views on the political situation in the Republic of North Macedonia with

Ambassador Agneza RUSI POPOVSKA, Mission of the Republic of North Macedonia to the EU,
Mr David CULLEN, Head of Unit for North Macedonia, Kosovo, DG NEAR,
Ms Elsa FENET, Head of Division 'Western Balkans', EEAS.

Meeting documents
Minutes 23 October 2019
Agenda

General documents - Westerns Balkans summit must bring step-change and strengthen democracy, say MEPs - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Tue, 12 May 2020 14:30:42 GMT

5 May 2020

The Foreign Affairs Committee Chair, delegation chairs and standing rapporteurs for the Western Balkans countries confirm EU´s commitment to continue transforming the region.

In a joint statement, the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the standing rapporteurs and the chairs of delegations of the European Parliament for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia welcome the Western Balkans summit of 6 May as an opportunity to reconfirm the EU's historical, political and financial commitment to the region. They consider the summit to also be an opportunity for the Western Balkans participants to affirm their adherence to the rule of law, democracy and continued reforms.

"We welcome the virtual Western Balkans summit, which can deepen ties between the EU and Southeastern Europe.

It shows that any hurdle can be overcome in the commitment to the enlargement process and that fully-fledged EU membership is the ultimate goal. Such public expressions of solidarity are more important than ever, as disinformation campaigns attempt to create divisions.

During these difficult times, the European Parliament stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its Western Balkans partners and we reaffirm our unprecedented political, financial and medical assistance to the people of the region." (...)

The full text of the press release in the below link.

Westerns Balkans summit must bring step-change and strengthen democracy

General documents - Opening accession negotiations with North Macedonia - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Tue, 12 May 2020 14:23:13 GMT

27 March 2020

After the decision to open accession negotiations, the Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee Andreas Schieder (S&D, AT) said:

"It is with great pleasure that I congratulate North Macedonia and all its citizens on this much-awaited decision. This is excellent news for the region and for the whole European Union, and is a much-needed signal of unity and coordinated action in these difficult times.

The European Commission and the Council confirm that North Macedonia meets all conditions to start accession negotiations. The country has delivered tangible and sustainable results in its reform efforts, including by finding agreement on the name issue and by enacting the necessary constitutional changes, as well as adopting the crucial Law on the Public Prosecutor's office before the dissolution of the Parliament. We are very pleased, therefore, that no additional conditions have been set for the country ahead of the first intergovernmental conference.

Members of the European Parliament delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee are keen to restart our inter-parliamentary dialogue as soon as the Sobranie delegation is constituted after the upcoming parliamentary elections. While it is regrettable that the elections need to be rescheduled due to the COVID-19 emergency, we remain confident that, together, we will be able to face this global challenge. The EU is ready to support the Western Balkans with emergency aid for health care systems and contribute to the region's socio-economic recovery.

We will continue to support North Macedonia on its way to becoming a full member of the European Union and look forward to our fruitful and constructive parliamentary dialogue."

Background

North Macedonia submitted its membership application in 2004 and became a candidate for accession to the EU in 2005. Accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia were expected to begin in October 2019, but were blocked by several EU member states. On 26 March, heads of state or government endorsed the Council's decision to open accession negotiations.

Opening accession talks with North Macedonia a much-needed signal, MEP says

General documents - Constitutive meeting of 26 September 2019, Brussels - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 11:59:28 GMT

During the constitutive meeting, the Chair and the Vice-Chairs of the delegation were elected.

Chair - Andreas SCHIEDER (S&D, AT)

1st Vice-Chair - Irena JOVEVA (Renew, SI)

2nd Vice-Chair - Marion WALSMANN (EPP, DE)

Meeting documents 26 September 2019
Press release 26 September 2019
Minutes 26 September 2019

General documents - 2020 meetings calendar - Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 13:03:49 GMT

The information on any further meetings will be published here once available.