It is essential for Northern Macedonia to continue reforms, especially in the area of the rule of law, through the adoption of a law on the prosecutor’s office and an uncompromising fight against corruption, says the European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn. The commissioner also points out that Skopje deserves the green light to start the accession negotiations in October.
All political actors should consider the future and interests of the state and citizens, the commissioner said.
“It’s a national goal and everyone in the country should understand how they have to work toward that goal. Of course, there are debates and discussions, but I think everyone should be aware what is the fate of the state. I hope that all the necessary steps will be taken to achieve what we all want, which is the green light to open negotiations”, Hahn points out.
The EU commissioner also regrets that this did not happen already in June. Northern Macedonia has worked hard to reach the set standards, and it is now up to the EU to fulfill its obligations, Hahn claims.
“Independent judiciary, the fight against organized crime and corruption remain a strategic goal and this is important not only for the EU, but also for the state and citizens themselves. I also want to praise the opposition for being cooperative in relation to these activities,”, says the European Commissioner.
Northern Macedonia Prime Minister Zoran Zaev says his country should use the period remaining until October by working to improve the judiciary.
“This vacuum period should be used to show that as we work towards the necessary reforms of the system and the adoption of the law on the public prosecutor’s office, we will pass a document that will favor neither the authorities nor the opposition. I expect we will pass the document in August”, Prime Minister Zaev said.
After meeting with the Prime Minister, Commissioner Hahn also met with Macedonian President Stevo Pendarovski, as well as political party leaders. He will continue his visit to the region in Belgrade, where he will meet with the Serbian leadership.
