BETA


2018/2145(INI) 2018 Commission report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Progress: Procedure completed

RoleCommitteeRapporteurShadows
Lead AFET VAJGL Ivo (icon: ALDE ALDE) KELAM Tunne (icon: PPE PPE), PICULA Tonino (icon: S&D S&D), TANNOCK Timothy Charles Ayrton (icon: ECR ECR), MESZERICS Tamás (icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE), CASTALDO Fabio Massimo (icon: EFDD EFDD)
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 87-p4

Events

2019/03/26
   EC - Commission response to text adopted in plenary
Documents
2018/11/29
   EP - Results of vote in Parliament
2018/11/29
   EP - Decision by Parliament
Details

The European Parliament adopted by 470 votes to 116 with 46 abstentions a resolution on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

It noted that the prospect of EU membership is the great spur to reforms in the country, especially as regards the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and the fight against corruption. It remarked that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is considered to be the candidate country which has made the most progress in aligning its legislation with the EU acquis.

Members welcomed the government’s strong political commitment to fully implement the Pržino Agreement concluded in 2015 between the four main political parties and the priority reforms to be implemented urgently, which has led to an intensification of efforts on EU-related reforms.

Parliament also welcomed the signing of the Prespa Agreement concluded on 17 June 2018 between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and commended the positive diplomacy and active trust-building efforts leading to compromise, the settlement of open bilateral issues and the promotion of good neighbourly relations. Members stressed that bilateral issues should not obstruct the accession process. It took note of the result of the 30 September 2018 referendum regarding the country’s name. Members encouraged the government in Skopje to undertake all necessary steps in order to honour the provisions of the Prespa Agreement, which opens the door to EU and NATO accession negotiations.

Parliament stated that a swift opening of the screening process and accession negotiations would deepen the momentum for reform, provide new incentives for the democratisation process and strengthen control and accountability.

Democratisation : the resolution welcomed improvements in electoral legislation, but stressed the need for a timely revision of the Electoral Code by comprehensively addressing the remaining OSCE/ODIHR, Venice Commission and GRECO recommendations on campaign financing and on political parties.

Members called for, inter alia :

continued efforts to prevent and investigate any form of intimidation on voters; political parties are urged to democratise their internal decision-making processes; the national parliament to make full use of its oversight and legislative functions, while strictly limiting the use of urgency procedures; the achievement of positive and credible results in the field of intelligence monitoring and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country; the effective launch of the implementation of the public administration reform strategy, and the definition of clear rules on accountability; further steps to ensure citizens' right of access to public information, increase the openness of the decision-making process and improve inter-institutional coordination.

Rule of law : Parliament recalled that the proper functioning of the judicial system and effective measures to combat corruption are of paramount importance in the EU accession process. The government is invited to:

intensify efforts to properly implement the judicial reform strategy by putting in place sound monitoring and evaluation mechanisms; make further efforts to shield the judiciary from political interference; step up efforts to establish a track record of prosecutions and final convictions in cases of high-level corruption and organised crime; intensify the fight against money laundering and conflicts of interest by strengthening the capacity of anti-corruption and crime units, as well as financial investigations, and by confiscating assets; develop a regional strategy among all countries in the region to more effectively address the problem of corruption and organised crime; improve the asylum system and migration management with a view to dismantling human trafficking networks. intensify efforts to combat Islamic radicalisation and foreign terrorist fighters and continue monitoring of returning foreign fighters by the security services, their proper reintegration into society and the constant exchange of information with the authorities of the EU and of neighbouring countries.

Fundamental rights, civil society: while welcoming the reforms and efforts to gradually align the legal framework with EU standards, Members recommended:

furthering measures to foster educational inclusion of minorities with a view to reinvigorating social cohesion and integration of communities; completing legal reforms to combat discrimination and violence against women and children, and continue to eradicate the still widespread domestic and gender-based violence; implementing strategies to end the dire situation of people with disabilities and the persistent discrimination against them; effectively combatting hate crimes and hate speech against minorities, including vulnerable groups such as the Roma and the LGBTI community; improving the operational environment for civil society organisations by strengthening the legal, financial, administrative and political framework, including laws on foundations and donations; establishing additional safeguards against the politicisation of the media, to strengthen the independence and capacity of the media regulator and public broadcasting and to take measures to prevent impunity in cases of violence, abuse or threats against journalists.

Media: Parliament noted modest improvements in the media environment and conditions for independent reporting and welcomed the termination of state-sponsored advertising in the media based on political favouritism It called for further safeguards against politicisation of the media.

Economy: Parliament stressed the need to improve the business environment by ensuring fiscal consolidation and regulatory transparency and reliability. It urged the authorities to:

address the large informal economy and the persistent problems of tax evasion and weak contract enforcement which continue to deter foreign direct investment; address the high youth unemployment rate by bridging the mismatch between the skills of young graduates and the needs of private companies; develop a long-term digital agenda; tackle long-term unemployment and the low rate of participation of women on the employment market.

Lastly, Parliament called for urgent measures to deal with air pollution, noting that Skopje and Tetovo have the highest concentration of fine particles in the air (PM2.5) out of all European cities.

Documents
2018/11/29
   EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2018/11/28
   EP - Debate in Parliament
2018/10/18
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary
Details

The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted an own-initiative report by Ivo VAJGL (ALDE, SI) on the 2018 Commission report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Members welcomed the government’s strong political commitment to fully implement the Pržino Agreement concluded in 2015 between the four main political parties and the priority reforms to be implemented urgently, which has led to an intensification of efforts on EU-related reforms, based on transparent and inter-ethnic cooperation and consultations with civil society. They encouraged the new government to maintain the positive momentum that has been built.

The report also welcomed the signing of the Prespa Agreement concluded on 17 June 2018 between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and congratulated both sides on their considerable efforts to reach a mutually satisfactory solution to the name issue.

Members considered that a swift opening of the screening process and accession negotiations would deepen the momentum for reform, provide new incentives for the democratisation process and strengthen control and accountability.

Democratisation : the report welcomed improvements in electoral legislation, but stressed the need for a timely revision of the Electoral Code by comprehensively addressing the remaining OSCE/ODIHR, Venice Commission and GRECO recommendations on campaign financing and on political parties.

Members called for, inter alia :

continued efforts to prevent and investigate any form of intimidation on voters; political parties are urged to democratise their internal decision-making processes;

the national parliament to make full use of its oversight and legislative functions, while strictly limiting the use of urgency procedures which undermine parliamentary and public scrutiny;

the achievement of positive and credible results in the field of intelligence monitoring and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country;

the effective launch of the implementation of the public administration reform strategy, and the definition of clear rules on accountability;

further steps to ensure citizens' right of access to public information, increase the openness of the decision-making process and improve inter-institutional coordination.

Rule of law : Members recalled that the proper functioning of the judicial system and effective measures to combat corruption are of paramount importance in the EU accession process. The government is invited to:

intensify efforts to properly implement the judicial reform strategy by putting in place sound monitoring and evaluation mechanisms; step up efforts to establish a track record of investigations, prosecutions and final convictions in cases of high-level corruption and organised crime; intensify the fight against money laundering and conflicts of interest by establishing and strengthening the capacity of anti-corruption and crime units, as well as financial investigations, and by freezing, confiscating, recovering and managing assets; develop a regional strategy and strengthen cooperation among all countries in the region to more effectively address the problem of corruption and organised crime, which are widespread in the region; improve the asylum system and migration management as well as mutually beneficial regional cooperation and partnership with Frontex under a new status agreement with a view to dismantling human trafficking networks.

Fundamental rights, civil society, media : while welcoming the reforms and efforts to gradually align the legal framework with EU standards, Members recommended:

furthering measures to foster educational inclusion of minorities with a view to reinvigorating social cohesion and integration of communities; completing legal reforms to combat discrimination and violence against women and children, and continue to eradicate the still widespread domestic and gender-based violence; implementing strategies to end the dire situation of people with disabilities and the persistent discrimination against them; effectively combatting hate crimes and hate speech against minorities, including vulnerable groups such as the Roma and the LGBTI community; improving the operational environment for civil society organisations by strengthening the legal, financial, administrative and political framework, including laws on foundations and donations; establishing additional safeguards against the politicisation of the media, to strengthen the independence and capacity of the media regulator and public broadcasting and to take measures to prevent impunity in cases of violence, abuse or threats against journalists.

Economy : the report stressed the need to improve the business environment by ensuring fiscal consolidation and regulatory transparency and reliability. It urged the authorities to:

address the large informal economy and the persistent problems of tax evasion and weak contract enforcement which continue to deter foreign direct investment; develop, without further delay, a long-term digital agenda; tackle long-term unemployment, youth unemployment and the low rate of participation of women on the employment market in a comprehensive and innovative manner.

Air pollution is a major problem in Macedonia cities. According to the latest study conducted by the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Institute of Public Health, Skopje and Tetovo have the highest concentration of fine particles in the air (PM2.5) out of all European cities. Members called for adequate measures to be taken without further delay to deal with this emergency situation.

Documents
2018/10/09
   EP - Vote in committee
2018/09/07
   EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2018/07/05
   EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2018/07/05
   EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2018/05/16
   EP - VAJGL Ivo (ALDE) appointed as rapporteur in AFET
2018/04/19
   EC - Non-legislative basic document published
Details

PURPOSE: to present a Commission staff working document on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 2018 report in the context of EU enlargement.

BACKGROUND: the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is participating in the Stabilisation and Association process. The Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU is the framework for relations with the EU, including political and economic dialogue.

Since 2009, the Commission has recommended to the Council to open accession negotiations with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, a candidate country since 2005.

The recommendation was made conditional, in 2015 and 2016, on the continued implementation of the ‘Pržino Agreement’, which was facilitated by the Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations and three Members of the European Parliament in 2015, and on substantial progress in the implementation of the ‘Urgent Reform Priorities’. Following the early parliamentary elections in December 2016, which resulted in the change of government in May 2017, the country has finally overcome its deep political crisis. The new government has shown commitment and political will to advance the EU reform agenda. Most elements of the ‘Pržino agreement’ have been continuously and largely implemented or are, by now, overtaken by subsequent events. Substantial progress has been made in the implementation of the ‘Urgent Reform Priorities’.

CONTENT: as regards its ability to assume the obligations of membership , the country is moderately prepared in most areas, including in the areas of competition, transport and energy. The country shows a good level of preparation in areas such as company law, customs union, trans-European networks and science and research. Further efforts are needed across the board, in particular in those few areas where the country is at an early stage of preparation, such as freedom of movement of workers. More focus is also needed on administrative capacity and effective implementation. The country has continued to improve its alignment with the EU declarations and Council decisions on Common Foreign and Security Policy.

IPA II : the implementation of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance II for 2014-2020 (IPA II) is well underway. By the end of 2017, programmes totalling EUR 296 million have been adopted, out of which EUR 176 million (60 %) have already been contracted.

A summary of the main chapters of the report is as follows:

Political and economic dialogue : the country has finally overcome its most severe political crisis since 2001. Since May 2017, the new reform-oriented government has taken steps to address state capture by gradually restoring checks and balances, strengthening democracy and rule of law. The country is undergoing fundamental changes in a more inclusive and open political atmosphere. The Parliament needs to enhance its oversight and legislative functions.

Strong political commitment to guarantee the professionalism of the public administration, especially on senior management appointments, and the respect for the principles of transparency, merit and equitable representation in line with the spirit and the letter of the law, remains essential.

As regards the economic criteria , the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has made some progress and is at a good level of preparation in developing a functioning market economy. However, key weaknesses of the economy remain. These include shortcomings in the business environment, such as weak contract enforcement and a large informal economy. Structural problems of the labour market are reflected in low activity and high unemployment rates. The macroeconomic environment deteriorated in the first half of 2017, as the lengthy political crisis took a toll on investment. Trade and investment relations with the EU continued to intensify. The economy still suffers from weaknesses in education curricula, low innovation rates and important investment gaps including in particular public infrastructure.

Judicial system : decisive steps have been taken to start restoring the independence of the judiciary and reverse the backsliding of previous years. The most notable step was the adoption of a credible new judicial reform strategy, which aims to address the ‘Urgent Reform Priorities’.

Corruption and organised crime : the country has achieved some level of preparation in the field of corruption. The legislative and institutional framework is in place, as well as a track record on both prevention and prosecution, although final court rulings on high level corruption cases remain limited. Corruption remains prevalent in many areas and continues to be a serious problem. The capacity of institutions to effectively tackle corruption has shown structural and operational deficiencies. Political interference remains a risk.

In the fight against organised crime , the legislative framework is broadly in line with European standards, and efforts to implement strategies must continue. More needs to be done to effectively fight certain forms of crime such as money laundering and financial crimes. A track record on investigations, prosecutions and convictions in the fight against organised crime needs to be improved.

Fundamental rights and freedom of expression : the legal and institutional framework for protection of fundamental rights is largely in place and reforms have enhanced compliance with European human rights standards. Full implementation requires sustained efforts. It is positive that the country ratified the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (also known as the Istanbul Convention), initiated the necessary legal reforms for establishing an external oversight mechanism of the law enforcement authorities and that the amendments to the framework for non-discrimination were prepared in an inclusive manner. The situation in prisons and psychiatric institutions must be addressed. More efforts are needed as regards Roma inclusion. As regards freedom of expression, the country has achieved some level of preparation and made good progress, notably through an improved climate for the media and decreased pressure on journalists.

Documents

Activities

Votes

A8-0341/2018 - Ivo Vajgl - Am 1=2= 29/11/2018 12:18:02.000 #

2018/11/29 Outcome: +: 506, -: 91, 0: 40
DE IT PL ES RO GB HU FR BG BE SE AT CZ NL SK LT DK PT LV FI HR EE SI IE MT LU ?? CY EL
Total
79
58
45
43
27
60
18
61
16
21
20
18
18
24
11
8
11
17
7
10
9
6
8
10
5
4
1
6
14
icon: PPE PPE
183

United Kingdom PPE

1

Lithuania PPE

1

Denmark PPE

For (1)

1

Finland PPE

2

Croatia PPE

Against (1)

4

Estonia PPE

For (1)

1
5

Luxembourg PPE

2

Cyprus PPE

Abstain (1)

1

Greece PPE

1
icon: S&D S&D
164

Czechia S&D

3

Netherlands S&D

3

Lithuania S&D

1

Denmark S&D

2

Latvia S&D

1

Finland S&D

1

Croatia S&D

2

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1

Ireland S&D

For (1)

1

Malta S&D

2

Cyprus S&D

2
icon: ALDE ALDE
59

Germany ALDE

3

Romania ALDE

For (1)

1

United Kingdom ALDE

1

Bulgaria ALDE

3

Austria ALDE

For (1)

1

Portugal ALDE

1

Latvia ALDE

1

Croatia ALDE

For (1)

1

Estonia ALDE

3

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

1

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg ALDE

For (1)

1
icon: ECR ECR
60

Italy ECR

2

Romania ECR

2

Bulgaria ECR

2

Sweden ECR

2

Czechia ECR

2

Netherlands ECR

2

Slovakia ECR

2

Lithuania ECR

1

Denmark ECR

2

Latvia ECR

For (1)

1

Finland ECR

1

Croatia ECR

For (1)

1

Cyprus ECR

Against (1)

1

Greece ECR

Against (1)

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
43

Spain Verts/ALE

2

Hungary Verts/ALE

2

France Verts/ALE

3

Belgium Verts/ALE

2

Austria Verts/ALE

3

Netherlands Verts/ALE

2

Lithuania Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Finland Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Croatia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Estonia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Slovenia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1
icon: NI NI
16

Germany NI

Against (1)

2

United Kingdom NI

Against (2)

Abstain (1)

3

Hungary NI

For (1)

1

France NI

Abstain (1)

1

Denmark NI

1

NI

For (1)

1
icon: EFDD EFDD
39

Germany EFDD

Abstain (1)

1

Poland EFDD

1

Czechia EFDD

Against (1)

1

Lithuania EFDD

For (1)

1
icon: ENF ENF
29

Germany ENF

Against (1)

1

Poland ENF

2

Belgium ENF

Against (1)

1

Netherlands ENF

4
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
42

Italy GUE/NGL

Against (1)

Abstain (1)

2

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

3

Denmark GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Finland GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

Against (1)

4

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2

Greece GUE/NGL

4

A8-0341/2018 - Ivo Vajgl - Am 5 29/11/2018 12:18:42.000 #

2018/11/29 Outcome: +: 323, -: 227, 0: 83
IT SE NL BE DE DK GB FI AT ES BG LT EE PT CZ LU IE RO ?? LV HR EL CY MT SI HU SK PL FR
Total
57
20
24
21
81
11
60
10
18
43
15
8
6
17
18
4
10
27
1
7
9
13
6
5
8
17
10
45
60
icon: S&D S&D
163

Netherlands S&D

3

Denmark S&D

2

Finland S&D

1

Lithuania S&D

1

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Czechia S&D

Abstain (1)

3

Ireland S&D

For (1)

1

Latvia S&D

1

Croatia S&D

2

Cyprus S&D

2

Malta S&D

2

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1
icon: ALDE ALDE
59

Germany ALDE

3

United Kingdom ALDE

1

Austria ALDE

For (1)

1

Bulgaria ALDE

3

Estonia ALDE

3

Portugal ALDE

1

Luxembourg ALDE

For (1)

1

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

1

Romania ALDE

For (1)

1

Latvia ALDE

1

Croatia ALDE

For (1)

1

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
43

Netherlands Verts/ALE

2

Belgium Verts/ALE

2

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Finland Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

3

Spain Verts/ALE

2

Lithuania Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Estonia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Croatia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Slovenia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Hungary Verts/ALE

2

France Verts/ALE

3
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
42

Italy GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

2

Sweden GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

3

Denmark GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1

Finland GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Portugal GUE/NGL

For (1)

4

Czechia GUE/NGL

Against (1)

3

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2

France GUE/NGL

For (1)

4
icon: ECR ECR
58

Italy ECR

2

Sweden ECR

2

Netherlands ECR

2

Denmark ECR

2

Finland ECR

1

Bulgaria ECR

Abstain (1)

2

Lithuania ECR

Abstain (1)

1

Czechia ECR

2

Romania ECR

Against (1)

Abstain (1)

2

Latvia ECR

Abstain (1)

1

Croatia ECR

Abstain (1)

1

Cyprus ECR

Against (1)

1

Slovakia ECR

Abstain (1)

1
icon: NI NI
16

Germany NI

Against (1)

2

Denmark NI

1

United Kingdom NI

3

NI

For (1)

1

Hungary NI

For (1)

1

France NI

Against (1)

1
icon: EFDD EFDD
39

Germany EFDD

Abstain (1)

1

Lithuania EFDD

Abstain (1)

1

Czechia EFDD

Against (1)

1

Poland EFDD

1
icon: ENF ENF
29

Netherlands ENF

4

Belgium ENF

Against (1)

1

Germany ENF

Against (1)

1

Poland ENF

2
icon: PPE PPE
182

Belgium PPE

4

Denmark PPE

For (1)

1

United Kingdom PPE

Against (1)

1

Finland PPE

Against (1)

2

Lithuania PPE

Against (1)

1

Estonia PPE

Against (1)

1

Luxembourg PPE

Against (1)

2

Greece PPE

1

Cyprus PPE

Against (1)

1

A8-0341/2018 - Ivo Vajgl - Résolution 29/11/2018 12:20:32.000 #

2018/11/29 Outcome: +: 470, -: 116, 0: 46
DE IT ES PL RO GB BG SE BE CZ FR AT FI HR PT LV SK EE DK LT IE NL MT LU SI ?? HU CY EL
Total
79
58
43
43
27
59
15
20
20
18
61
18
10
9
17
7
11
6
11
8
10
24
5
4
8
1
18
6
14
icon: S&D S&D
163

Czechia S&D

3

Finland S&D

1

Croatia S&D

2

Latvia S&D

1

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Denmark S&D

2

Lithuania S&D

1

Ireland S&D

For (1)

1

Netherlands S&D

3

Malta S&D

2

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1

Cyprus S&D

Against (1)

Abstain (1)

2

Greece S&D

Against (1)

4
icon: PPE PPE
181

United Kingdom PPE

1

Finland PPE

2

Estonia PPE

For (1)

1

Denmark PPE

For (1)

1

Lithuania PPE

1

Luxembourg PPE

2
5

Cyprus PPE

Against (1)

1

Greece PPE

1
icon: ALDE ALDE
59

Germany ALDE

3

Romania ALDE

For (1)

1

United Kingdom ALDE

1

Bulgaria ALDE

3

Austria ALDE

For (1)

1

Croatia ALDE

For (1)

1

Portugal ALDE

1

Latvia ALDE

1

Estonia ALDE

3

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg ALDE

For (1)

1

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
42

Spain Verts/ALE

2

Belgium Verts/ALE

2

France Verts/ALE

3

Austria Verts/ALE

3

Finland Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Croatia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Estonia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Lithuania Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Netherlands Verts/ALE

2

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Slovenia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Hungary Verts/ALE

2
icon: ECR ECR
59

Italy ECR

2

Romania ECR

2

Bulgaria ECR

2

Sweden ECR

2

Czechia ECR

2

Finland ECR

1

Croatia ECR

For (1)

1

Latvia ECR

For (1)

1

Slovakia ECR

For (1)

Against (1)

2

Denmark ECR

2

Lithuania ECR

Against (1)

1

Netherlands ECR

2

Cyprus ECR

Against (1)

1

Greece ECR

Against (1)

1
icon: NI NI
16

Germany NI

2

United Kingdom NI

For (1)

Against (2)

3

France NI

Against (1)

1

Denmark NI

1

NI

For (1)

1

Hungary NI

For (1)

1
icon: EFDD EFDD
39

Germany EFDD

Against (1)

1

Poland EFDD

1

Czechia EFDD

Against (1)

1

Lithuania EFDD

Abstain (1)

1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
42

Italy GUE/NGL

2

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Finland GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Portugal GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

4

Denmark GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

Against (1)

4

Netherlands GUE/NGL

3

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2
icon: ENF ENF
29

Germany ENF

Against (1)

1

Poland ENF

2

Belgium ENF

Against (1)

1

Netherlands ENF

4
AmendmentsDossier
224 2018/2145(INI)
2018/09/07 AFET 224 amendments...
source: 627.670

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)

committees/0/shadows/3
name
SAKORAFA Sofia
group
European United Left - Nordic Green Left
abbr
GUE/NGL
docs/0/docs/0/url
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/AFET-PR-625370_EN.html
docs/1/docs/0/url
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/AFET-AM-627670_EN.html
events/4/docs
  • url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/CRE-8-2018-11-28-TOC_EN.html title: Debate in Parliament
committees/0/shadows/2/name
Old
TANNOCK Charles
New
TANNOCK Timothy Charles Ayrton
docs/0/docs/0/url
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE625.370
docs/1/docs/0/url
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE627.670
events/1/type
Old
Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
New
Committee referral announced in Parliament
events/2/type
Old
Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
New
Vote in committee
events/3
date
2018-10-18T00:00:00
type
Committee report tabled for plenary
body
EP
docs
url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-8-2018-0341_EN.html title: A8-0341/2018
summary
events/3
date
2018-10-18T00:00:00
type
Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
body
EP
docs
url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-8-2018-0341_EN.html title: A8-0341/2018
summary
events/4/docs
  • url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20181128&type=CRE title: Debate in Parliament
events/6
date
2018-11-29T00:00:00
type
Decision by Parliament
body
EP
docs
url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-8-2018-0480_EN.html title: T8-0480/2018
summary
events/6
date
2018-11-29T00:00:00
type
Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
body
EP
docs
url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-8-2018-0480_EN.html title: T8-0480/2018
summary
docs/2/body
EC
events/3/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2018-0341&language=EN
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-8-2018-0341_EN.html
events/6/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2018-0480
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-8-2018-0480_EN.html
committees/0
type
Responsible Committee
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Foreign Affairs
committee
AFET
rapporteur
name: VAJGL Ivo date: 2018-05-16T00:00:00 group: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe abbr: ALDE
shadows
committees/0
type
Responsible Committee
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Foreign Affairs
committee
AFET
date
2018-05-16T00:00:00
rapporteur
name: VAJGL Ivo group: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe abbr: ALDE
shadows
committees/0
type
Responsible Committee
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Foreign Affairs
committee
AFET
date
2018-05-16T00:00:00
rapporteur
name: VAJGL Ivo group: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe abbr: ALDE
shadows
committees/0
type
Responsible Committee
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Foreign Affairs
committee
AFET
date
2018-05-16T00:00:00
rapporteur
name: VAJGL Ivo group: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe abbr: ALDE
shadows
activities
  • date: 2018-04-19T00:00:00 docs: url: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=SWD:2018:0154:FIN:EN:PDF type: Non-legislative basic document published title: SWD(2018)0154 body: EC commission: DG: url: http://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/european-neighbourhood-policy-and-enlargement-negotiations_en title: Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations Commissioner: HAHN Johannes type: Non-legislative basic document published
  • date: 2018-07-05T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: KELAM Tunne group: S&D name: PICULA Tonino group: ECR name: TANNOCK Charles group: GUE/NGL name: SAKORAFA Sofia group: Verts/ALE name: MESZERICS Tamás group: EFD name: CASTALDO Fabio Massimo responsible: True committee: AFET date: 2018-05-16T00:00:00 committee_full: Foreign Affairs rapporteur: group: ALDE name: VAJGL Ivo
  • date: 2018-11-28T00:00:00 body: EP type: Indicative plenary sitting date, 1st reading/single reading
commission
  • body: EC dg: Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations commissioner: HAHN Johannes
committees/0
type
Responsible Committee
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Foreign Affairs
committee
AFET
date
2018-05-16T00:00:00
rapporteur
name: VAJGL Ivo group: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe abbr: ALDE
shadows
committees/0
body
EP
shadows
responsible
True
committee
AFET
date
2018-05-16T00:00:00
committee_full
Foreign Affairs
rapporteur
group: ALDE name: VAJGL Ivo
docs
  • date: 2018-07-05T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE625.370 title: PE625.370 type: Committee draft report body: EP
  • date: 2018-09-07T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE627.670 title: PE627.670 type: Amendments tabled in committee body: EP
  • date: 2019-03-26T00:00:00 docs: url: /oeil/spdoc.do?i=31679&j=0&l=en title: SP(2019)92 type: Commission response to text adopted in plenary
events
  • date: 2018-04-19T00:00:00 type: Non-legislative basic document published body: EC docs: url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=SWD:2018:0154:FIN:EN:PDF title: EUR-Lex title: SWD(2018)0154 summary: PURPOSE: to present a Commission staff working document on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 2018 report in the context of EU enlargement. BACKGROUND: the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is participating in the Stabilisation and Association process. The Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU is the framework for relations with the EU, including political and economic dialogue. Since 2009, the Commission has recommended to the Council to open accession negotiations with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, a candidate country since 2005. The recommendation was made conditional, in 2015 and 2016, on the continued implementation of the ‘Pržino Agreement’, which was facilitated by the Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations and three Members of the European Parliament in 2015, and on substantial progress in the implementation of the ‘Urgent Reform Priorities’. Following the early parliamentary elections in December 2016, which resulted in the change of government in May 2017, the country has finally overcome its deep political crisis. The new government has shown commitment and political will to advance the EU reform agenda. Most elements of the ‘Pržino agreement’ have been continuously and largely implemented or are, by now, overtaken by subsequent events. Substantial progress has been made in the implementation of the ‘Urgent Reform Priorities’. CONTENT: as regards its ability to assume the obligations of membership , the country is moderately prepared in most areas, including in the areas of competition, transport and energy. The country shows a good level of preparation in areas such as company law, customs union, trans-European networks and science and research. Further efforts are needed across the board, in particular in those few areas where the country is at an early stage of preparation, such as freedom of movement of workers. More focus is also needed on administrative capacity and effective implementation. The country has continued to improve its alignment with the EU declarations and Council decisions on Common Foreign and Security Policy. IPA II : the implementation of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance II for 2014-2020 (IPA II) is well underway. By the end of 2017, programmes totalling EUR 296 million have been adopted, out of which EUR 176 million (60 %) have already been contracted. A summary of the main chapters of the report is as follows: Political and economic dialogue : the country has finally overcome its most severe political crisis since 2001. Since May 2017, the new reform-oriented government has taken steps to address state capture by gradually restoring checks and balances, strengthening democracy and rule of law. The country is undergoing fundamental changes in a more inclusive and open political atmosphere. The Parliament needs to enhance its oversight and legislative functions. Strong political commitment to guarantee the professionalism of the public administration, especially on senior management appointments, and the respect for the principles of transparency, merit and equitable representation in line with the spirit and the letter of the law, remains essential. As regards the economic criteria , the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has made some progress and is at a good level of preparation in developing a functioning market economy. However, key weaknesses of the economy remain. These include shortcomings in the business environment, such as weak contract enforcement and a large informal economy. Structural problems of the labour market are reflected in low activity and high unemployment rates. The macroeconomic environment deteriorated in the first half of 2017, as the lengthy political crisis took a toll on investment. Trade and investment relations with the EU continued to intensify. The economy still suffers from weaknesses in education curricula, low innovation rates and important investment gaps including in particular public infrastructure. Judicial system : decisive steps have been taken to start restoring the independence of the judiciary and reverse the backsliding of previous years. The most notable step was the adoption of a credible new judicial reform strategy, which aims to address the ‘Urgent Reform Priorities’. Corruption and organised crime : the country has achieved some level of preparation in the field of corruption. The legislative and institutional framework is in place, as well as a track record on both prevention and prosecution, although final court rulings on high level corruption cases remain limited. Corruption remains prevalent in many areas and continues to be a serious problem. The capacity of institutions to effectively tackle corruption has shown structural and operational deficiencies. Political interference remains a risk. In the fight against organised crime , the legislative framework is broadly in line with European standards, and efforts to implement strategies must continue. More needs to be done to effectively fight certain forms of crime such as money laundering and financial crimes. A track record on investigations, prosecutions and convictions in the fight against organised crime needs to be improved. Fundamental rights and freedom of expression : the legal and institutional framework for protection of fundamental rights is largely in place and reforms have enhanced compliance with European human rights standards. Full implementation requires sustained efforts. It is positive that the country ratified the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (also known as the Istanbul Convention), initiated the necessary legal reforms for establishing an external oversight mechanism of the law enforcement authorities and that the amendments to the framework for non-discrimination were prepared in an inclusive manner. The situation in prisons and psychiatric institutions must be addressed. More efforts are needed as regards Roma inclusion. As regards freedom of expression, the country has achieved some level of preparation and made good progress, notably through an improved climate for the media and decreased pressure on journalists.
  • date: 2018-07-05T00:00:00 type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2018-10-09T00:00:00 type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2018-10-18T00:00:00 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2018-0341&language=EN title: A8-0341/2018 summary: The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted an own-initiative report by Ivo VAJGL (ALDE, SI) on the 2018 Commission report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Members welcomed the government’s strong political commitment to fully implement the Pržino Agreement concluded in 2015 between the four main political parties and the priority reforms to be implemented urgently, which has led to an intensification of efforts on EU-related reforms, based on transparent and inter-ethnic cooperation and consultations with civil society. They encouraged the new government to maintain the positive momentum that has been built. The report also welcomed the signing of the Prespa Agreement concluded on 17 June 2018 between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and congratulated both sides on their considerable efforts to reach a mutually satisfactory solution to the name issue. Members considered that a swift opening of the screening process and accession negotiations would deepen the momentum for reform, provide new incentives for the democratisation process and strengthen control and accountability. Democratisation : the report welcomed improvements in electoral legislation, but stressed the need for a timely revision of the Electoral Code by comprehensively addressing the remaining OSCE/ODIHR, Venice Commission and GRECO recommendations on campaign financing and on political parties. Members called for, inter alia : continued efforts to prevent and investigate any form of intimidation on voters; political parties are urged to democratise their internal decision-making processes; the national parliament to make full use of its oversight and legislative functions, while strictly limiting the use of urgency procedures which undermine parliamentary and public scrutiny; the achievement of positive and credible results in the field of intelligence monitoring and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country; the effective launch of the implementation of the public administration reform strategy, and the definition of clear rules on accountability; further steps to ensure citizens' right of access to public information, increase the openness of the decision-making process and improve inter-institutional coordination. Rule of law : Members recalled that the proper functioning of the judicial system and effective measures to combat corruption are of paramount importance in the EU accession process. The government is invited to: intensify efforts to properly implement the judicial reform strategy by putting in place sound monitoring and evaluation mechanisms; step up efforts to establish a track record of investigations, prosecutions and final convictions in cases of high-level corruption and organised crime; intensify the fight against money laundering and conflicts of interest by establishing and strengthening the capacity of anti-corruption and crime units, as well as financial investigations, and by freezing, confiscating, recovering and managing assets; develop a regional strategy and strengthen cooperation among all countries in the region to more effectively address the problem of corruption and organised crime, which are widespread in the region; improve the asylum system and migration management as well as mutually beneficial regional cooperation and partnership with Frontex under a new status agreement with a view to dismantling human trafficking networks. Fundamental rights, civil society, media : while welcoming the reforms and efforts to gradually align the legal framework with EU standards, Members recommended: furthering measures to foster educational inclusion of minorities with a view to reinvigorating social cohesion and integration of communities; completing legal reforms to combat discrimination and violence against women and children, and continue to eradicate the still widespread domestic and gender-based violence; implementing strategies to end the dire situation of people with disabilities and the persistent discrimination against them; effectively combatting hate crimes and hate speech against minorities, including vulnerable groups such as the Roma and the LGBTI community; improving the operational environment for civil society organisations by strengthening the legal, financial, administrative and political framework, including laws on foundations and donations; establishing additional safeguards against the politicisation of the media, to strengthen the independence and capacity of the media regulator and public broadcasting and to take measures to prevent impunity in cases of violence, abuse or threats against journalists. Economy : the report stressed the need to improve the business environment by ensuring fiscal consolidation and regulatory transparency and reliability. It urged the authorities to: address the large informal economy and the persistent problems of tax evasion and weak contract enforcement which continue to deter foreign direct investment; develop, without further delay, a long-term digital agenda; tackle long-term unemployment, youth unemployment and the low rate of participation of women on the employment market in a comprehensive and innovative manner. Air pollution is a major problem in Macedonia cities. According to the latest study conducted by the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Institute of Public Health, Skopje and Tetovo have the highest concentration of fine particles in the air (PM2.5) out of all European cities. Members called for adequate measures to be taken without further delay to deal with this emergency situation.
  • date: 2018-11-28T00:00:00 type: Debate in Parliament body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20181128&type=CRE title: Debate in Parliament
  • date: 2018-11-29T00:00:00 type: Results of vote in Parliament body: EP docs: url: https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=31679&l=en title: Results of vote in Parliament
  • date: 2018-11-29T00:00:00 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2018-0480 title: T8-0480/2018 summary: The European Parliament adopted by 470 votes to 116 with 46 abstentions a resolution on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. It noted that the prospect of EU membership is the great spur to reforms in the country, especially as regards the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and the fight against corruption. It remarked that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is considered to be the candidate country which has made the most progress in aligning its legislation with the EU acquis. Members welcomed the government’s strong political commitment to fully implement the Pržino Agreement concluded in 2015 between the four main political parties and the priority reforms to be implemented urgently, which has led to an intensification of efforts on EU-related reforms. Parliament also welcomed the signing of the Prespa Agreement concluded on 17 June 2018 between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and commended the positive diplomacy and active trust-building efforts leading to compromise, the settlement of open bilateral issues and the promotion of good neighbourly relations. Members stressed that bilateral issues should not obstruct the accession process. It took note of the result of the 30 September 2018 referendum regarding the country’s name. Members encouraged the government in Skopje to undertake all necessary steps in order to honour the provisions of the Prespa Agreement, which opens the door to EU and NATO accession negotiations. Parliament stated that a swift opening of the screening process and accession negotiations would deepen the momentum for reform, provide new incentives for the democratisation process and strengthen control and accountability. Democratisation : the resolution welcomed improvements in electoral legislation, but stressed the need for a timely revision of the Electoral Code by comprehensively addressing the remaining OSCE/ODIHR, Venice Commission and GRECO recommendations on campaign financing and on political parties. Members called for, inter alia : continued efforts to prevent and investigate any form of intimidation on voters; political parties are urged to democratise their internal decision-making processes; the national parliament to make full use of its oversight and legislative functions, while strictly limiting the use of urgency procedures; the achievement of positive and credible results in the field of intelligence monitoring and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country; the effective launch of the implementation of the public administration reform strategy, and the definition of clear rules on accountability; further steps to ensure citizens' right of access to public information, increase the openness of the decision-making process and improve inter-institutional coordination. Rule of law : Parliament recalled that the proper functioning of the judicial system and effective measures to combat corruption are of paramount importance in the EU accession process. The government is invited to: intensify efforts to properly implement the judicial reform strategy by putting in place sound monitoring and evaluation mechanisms; make further efforts to shield the judiciary from political interference; step up efforts to establish a track record of prosecutions and final convictions in cases of high-level corruption and organised crime; intensify the fight against money laundering and conflicts of interest by strengthening the capacity of anti-corruption and crime units, as well as financial investigations, and by confiscating assets; develop a regional strategy among all countries in the region to more effectively address the problem of corruption and organised crime; improve the asylum system and migration management with a view to dismantling human trafficking networks. intensify efforts to combat Islamic radicalisation and foreign terrorist fighters and continue monitoring of returning foreign fighters by the security services, their proper reintegration into society and the constant exchange of information with the authorities of the EU and of neighbouring countries. Fundamental rights, civil society: while welcoming the reforms and efforts to gradually align the legal framework with EU standards, Members recommended: furthering measures to foster educational inclusion of minorities with a view to reinvigorating social cohesion and integration of communities; completing legal reforms to combat discrimination and violence against women and children, and continue to eradicate the still widespread domestic and gender-based violence; implementing strategies to end the dire situation of people with disabilities and the persistent discrimination against them; effectively combatting hate crimes and hate speech against minorities, including vulnerable groups such as the Roma and the LGBTI community; improving the operational environment for civil society organisations by strengthening the legal, financial, administrative and political framework, including laws on foundations and donations; establishing additional safeguards against the politicisation of the media, to strengthen the independence and capacity of the media regulator and public broadcasting and to take measures to prevent impunity in cases of violence, abuse or threats against journalists. Media: Parliament noted modest improvements in the media environment and conditions for independent reporting and welcomed the termination of state-sponsored advertising in the media based on political favouritism It called for further safeguards against politicisation of the media. Economy: Parliament stressed the need to improve the business environment by ensuring fiscal consolidation and regulatory transparency and reliability. It urged the authorities to: address the large informal economy and the persistent problems of tax evasion and weak contract enforcement which continue to deter foreign direct investment; address the high youth unemployment rate by bridging the mismatch between the skills of young graduates and the needs of private companies; develop a long-term digital agenda; tackle long-term unemployment and the low rate of participation of women on the employment market. Lastly, Parliament called for urgent measures to deal with air pollution, noting that Skopje and Tetovo have the highest concentration of fine particles in the air (PM2.5) out of all European cities.
  • date: 2018-11-29T00:00:00 type: End of procedure in Parliament body: EP
links
other
  • body: EC dg: url: http://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/european-neighbourhood-policy-and-enlargement-negotiations_en title: Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations commissioner: HAHN Johannes
procedure/dossier_of_the_committee
Old
AFET/8/13817
New
  • AFET/8/13817
procedure/legal_basis/0
Rules of Procedure EP 87-p4
procedure/legal_basis/0
Rules of Procedure EP 81-p4
procedure/stage_reached
Old
Awaiting committee decision
New
Procedure completed
procedure/subject
Old
  • 8.20.01 Candidate countries
New
8.20.01
Candidate countries
activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to present a Commission staff working document on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 2018 report in the context of EU enlargement.

    BACKGROUND: the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is participating in the Stabilisation and Association process. The Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU is the framework for relations with the EU, including political and economic dialogue.

    Since 2009, the Commission has recommended to the Council to open accession negotiations with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, a candidate country since 2005.

    The recommendation was made conditional, in 2015 and 2016, on the continued implementation of the ‘Pržino Agreement’, which was facilitated by the Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations and three Members of the European Parliament in 2015, and on substantial progress in the implementation of the ‘Urgent Reform Priorities’. Following the early parliamentary elections in December 2016, which resulted in the change of government in May 2017, the country has finally overcome its deep political crisis. The new government has shown commitment and political will to advance the EU reform agenda. Most elements of the ‘Pržino agreement’ have been continuously and largely implemented or are, by now, overtaken by subsequent events. Substantial progress has been made in the implementation of the ‘Urgent Reform Priorities’.

    CONTENT: as regards its ability to assume the obligations of membership, the country is moderately prepared in most areas, including in the areas of competition, transport and energy. The country shows a good level of preparation in areas such as company law, customs union, trans-European networks and science and research. Further efforts are needed across the board, in particular in those few areas where the country is at an early stage of preparation, such as freedom of movement of workers. More focus is also needed on administrative capacity and effective implementation. The country has continued to improve its alignment with the EU declarations and Council decisions on Common Foreign and Security Policy.

    IPA II: the implementation of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance II for 2014-2020 (IPA II) is well underway. By the end of 2017, programmes totalling EUR 296 million have been adopted, out of which EUR 176 million (60 %) have already been contracted.

    A summary of the main chapters of the report is as follows:

    Political and economic dialogue: the country has finally overcome its most severe political crisis since 2001. Since May 2017, the new reform-oriented government has taken steps to address state capture by gradually restoring checks and balances, strengthening democracy and rule of law. The country is undergoing fundamental changes in a more inclusive and open political atmosphere. The Parliament needs to enhance its oversight and legislative functions. 

    Strong political commitment to guarantee the professionalism of the public administration, especially on senior management appointments, and the respect for the principles of transparency, merit and equitable representation in line with the spirit and the letter of the law, remains essential.

    As regards the economic criteria, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has made some progress and is at a good level of preparation in developing a functioning market economy. However, key weaknesses of the economy remain. These include shortcomings in the business environment, such as weak contract enforcement and a large informal economy. Structural problems of the labour market are reflected in low activity and high unemployment rates. The macroeconomic environment deteriorated in the first half of 2017, as the lengthy political crisis took a toll on investment. Trade and investment relations with the EU continued to intensify. The economy still suffers from weaknesses in education curricula, low innovation rates and important investment gaps including in particular public infrastructure.

    Judicial system: decisive steps have been taken to start restoring the independence of the judiciary and reverse the backsliding of previous years. The most notable step was the adoption of a credible new judicial reform strategy, which aims to address the ‘Urgent Reform Priorities’.

    Corruption and organised crime: the country has achieved some level of preparation in the field of corruption. The legislative and institutional framework is in place, as well as a track record on both prevention and prosecution, although final court rulings on high level corruption cases remain limited. Corruption remains prevalent in many areas and continues to be a serious problem. The capacity of institutions to effectively tackle corruption has shown structural and operational deficiencies. Political interference remains a risk. 

    In the fight against organised crime, the legislative framework is broadly in line with European standards, and efforts to implement strategies must continue. More needs to be done to effectively fight certain forms of crime such as money laundering and financial crimes. A track record on investigations, prosecutions and convictions in the fight against organised crime needs to be improved.

    Fundamental rights and freedom of expression: the legal and institutional framework for protection of fundamental rights is largely in place and reforms have enhanced compliance with European human rights standards. Full implementation requires sustained efforts. It is positive that the country ratified the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (also known as the Istanbul Convention), initiated the necessary legal reforms for establishing an external oversight mechanism of the law enforcement authorities  and that the amendments to the framework for non-discrimination were prepared in an inclusive manner. The situation in prisons and psychiatric institutions must be addressed. More efforts are needed as regards Roma inclusion. As regards freedom of expression, the country has achieved some level of preparation and made good progress, notably through an improved climate for the media and decreased pressure on journalists.

activities/1
date
2018-07-05T00:00:00
body
EP
type
Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
committees
body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: KELAM Tunne group: S&D name: PICULA Tonino group: ECR name: TANNOCK Charles group: GUE/NGL name: SAKORAFA Sofia group: Verts/ALE name: MESZERICS Tamás group: EFD name: CASTALDO Fabio Massimo responsible: True committee: AFET date: 2018-05-16T00:00:00 committee_full: Foreign Affairs rapporteur: group: ALDE name: VAJGL Ivo
procedure/dossier_of_the_committee
AFET/8/13817
procedure/stage_reached
Old
Preparatory phase in Parliament
New
Awaiting committee decision
activities/0/commission/0
DG
Commissioner
HAHN Johannes
other/0
body
EC
dg
commissioner
HAHN Johannes
activities
  • date: 2018-04-19T00:00:00 docs: url: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=SWD:2018:0154:FIN:EN:PDF type: Non-legislative basic document published title: SWD(2018)0154 body: EC commission: type: Non-legislative basic document published
  • date: 2018-11-28T00:00:00 body: EP type: Indicative plenary sitting date, 1st reading/single reading
committees
  • body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: KELAM Tunne group: S&D name: PICULA Tonino group: ECR name: TANNOCK Charles group: GUE/NGL name: SAKORAFA Sofia group: Verts/ALE name: MESZERICS Tamás group: EFD name: CASTALDO Fabio Massimo responsible: True committee: AFET date: 2018-05-16T00:00:00 committee_full: Foreign Affairs rapporteur: group: ALDE name: VAJGL Ivo
links
other
    procedure
    geographical_area
    Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
    reference
    2018/2145(INI)
    title
    2018 Commission report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
    legal_basis
    Rules of Procedure EP 81-p4
    stage_reached
    Preparatory phase in Parliament
    subtype
    Annual report
    type
    INI - Own-initiative procedure
    subject
    8.20.01 Candidate countries