Words, By George!

The EU Commissioner for Enlargement and top Macedonian officials today in Skopje opened a high level meeting aimed at speeding up the country’s EU integrations.

Macedonia was given the status of candidate for EU membership seven years ago – in 2005 – but is yet to begin accession talks, due to the so-called name dispute that this former Yugoslav republic has with its neighbor Greece.

Now, Macedonia and the EU opened the high level dialogue, presided over by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule, who said that “a comprehensive process and active political dialogue was starting on the rule of law, public administration, freedom of media, election laws and functioning of market economy”, MRT television outlet reported from Skopje.

“We wish to work with you so that your EU membership becomes reality. I assure you that I am dedicated to supporting your reform process. I am convinced that your future is in the EU and that together we can reach truly sustainable and visible progress in reforms and EU accession,” he was quoted as saying.

Gruevski said that his government wished to continue with reforms in all areas, and that he hoped this would be noted once the European Commission publishes its progress report for 2012.

The Macedonian prime minister also stated that the goal was for his country’s accession talks with the EU to start “as soon as possible this year”.

Source: Beta