EU council has to confirm the Commission’s recommendation to open and to set a date at the December summit for starting negotiations with Macedonia.
Parliament's resolution on the European Commission's 2009 enlargement strategy for the Western Balkan countries, Iceland and Turkey will be debated in plenary on Wednesday afternoon and put to a plenary vote on Thursday.
In the Parliament’s resolution drafted by Gabriele Albertini, the decision on starting negotiations, which might be adopted by EU council on December 7 is not a deadline for solving name dispute with Greece.
“In relation to name issue, Parliament calls on the governments of both countries to intensify their efforts to find a solution. The FYROM government should avoid actions and statements that could negatively affect relations with its neighbor. The recent establishment of a diplomatic relations with Kosovo is underlined.
The draft resolution points out that Macedonia must dedicate to implementing reforms in its system.
“Key issues such as rule of law, freedom of expression, treatment of ethnic minorities and the fight against corruption and organized crime must still be addressed, says a resolution.
The resolution, approved by the Foreign Affairs Committee on Monday says that current and potential candidate countries must continue reforming to stay on track for eventual EU membership.
The Parliament resolution will be debated at a plenary session and Macedonia’s delegation in charge for European Affairs will attend the session.
It has been announced that the delegation might meet with the EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, who will present the European Commission's 2009 enlargement strategy for the Western Balkan countries, Iceland and Turkey.