Visit of Mr Christian Danielsson, Director General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations at the European Commission, to North Macedonia on 28-29 November 2019

Christian Danielsson, Director General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations at the European Commission, visited Skopje on 28-29 November 2019. He met with representatives of the government, opposition and civil society.

During his meetings, DG Danielsson reiterated the commitment to the EU perspective of North Macedonia, and that EU integration of the Western Balkans continues to be an important strategic policy, in our mutual interest. He noted that the EU will revert to this issue before the EU-Western Balkans summit in Zagreb in May 2020.

He acknowledged the unprecedented efforts by North Macedonia, in an inclusive way, to undertake the reforms required to progress on its EU path, with EU-related reforms aimed at transforming the country and bringing concrete benefits to citizens. He called for these efforts to continue, both by government and opposition, as citizens expect reform agendas to be pursued with determination.

On rule of law, he underlined the importance of ensuring accountability for all crimes and to continue firm action fighting corruption and impunity. He insisted on the need to adopt the new law on the public prosecution, including the integration of the Office of the Special Prosecutor into the Public Prosecution Office, to ensure that legal accountability for crimes arising from and surrounding wiretaps is established for all those involved, irrespective of their positions.

As regards the functioning of the judiciary, he recommended the use and strengthening of existing measures such as for asset verification or disciplinary mechanisms.

He commended the considerable efforts by the government to build trust and strengthen good neighbourly relations. He reiterated that the Prespa agreement was a major breakthrough, an example for the region, which, together with the bilateral treaty with Bulgaria, needs to continue to be implemented.

He reiterated that the Commission will continue to stand with the citizens of North Macedonia and support the country on its EU path.