Zaev: Action Plan 3-6-9 for serious breakthrough in Euro-integration process

 

The Government's adoption of Action Plan 3-6-9 is a step towards serious breakthrough in the country's Euro-Atlantic integration following a long standstill, said Prime Minister Zoran Zaev on Wednesday.

"Plan 3-6-9 opens Macedonia's EU and NATO perspectives, which will significantly improve people's living quality", said Zaev at a press conference, flanked by Vice Premier for European Affairs Bujar Osmani.

The PM said the name of the plan designated the measures and activities to be implemented in the next three, six and nine months. Therefore, the aim is to deliver the initial results by the October local elections, removal of the conditional recommendation by December, and getting a date for the start of EU accession negotiations by the next European Commission Progress Report in spring of 2018.

"We are promoting a democratic Parliament, reforms in judiciary and media, fight against corruption, reforms in the public administration, security services and electoral legislation in compliance with OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, cohabitation with the President etc. We will also cooperate with the civil society through transparent dialogue and involvement of the opposition in the implementation, supervision and consultation regarding the plan", added Zaev.

According to him, reforms would be carried out through inclusiveness, enabling systematic solution of problems for citizens.

"Macedonia's future is at stake. Our works starts now. Let's double our efforts. We have a real chance to finally take Macedonia out of the long-standing crisis and essentially solve deep problems", stressed Zaev.

Vice Premier Osmani elaborated the plans measures and activities, saying the Government must deliver them because they represent a supranational challenge.

The plan is devised from the Government programme, the Przino Agreement, the Urgent Reform Priorities, EC Progress Reports and other reports by other relevant international organizations.

"The long wait in front of EU's doors drags us backwards, seen through the deep political and institutional crisis over the past 2-3 years. This window of opportunity, this fresh momentum of optimism in the country and the EU must be utilized and we have to deliver", said Osmani and urged relevant institutions to assume responsibility in meeting the required reforms.