Statement by Commissioner Hahn and MEPs Vajgl, Howitt and Kukan: Agreement in Skopje to overcome political crisis

Skopje, 15 July 2015 - We welcome the commitment to an agreement by the four main political parties in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia following the constructive negotiations in Skopje on 14 and 15 July. The latest round of talks were convened by Commissioner Hahn and facilitated by the Members of the European Parliament, Ivo Vaigl, Richard Howitt and Eduard Kukan as well as the EU and US Ambassadors to Skopje.

This agreement builds on the 2 June accord and includes the return to Parliament by the SDSM, the organisation of the new government preparing the elections which will be held on 24 April 2016 and the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the issues surrounding or arising from the interception of communications. After several months of facilitated dialogue, we welcome the political leaders' strong commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration and the European perspective. This is an important step in overcoming the current crisis and towards addressing key challenges facing the country. Political leaders in the country must now swiftly implement the agreement in good faith. We stand ready to work with all parties to ensure the full implementation of all aspects of these commitments, including the Commission's urgent reform recommendations on systemic rule of law issues.

The European Commission and the MEPs will follow up closely on the implementation of this agreement in the coming months. Progress will be discussed, inter alia, at a meeting of the High Level Accession Dialogue which will take place in September with the involvement of all signatory parties as well as civil society.

Read the Protocol to the Agreement of 2 June 2015 here