European Commission's Director General for Enlargement Stefano Sannino hopes that the European Council will take a decision in December over Macedonia's transfer to the next stage of Euro-integration, as recommended by the EC.

"The European Council meeting is in December and we hope it will take a decision over enhancement of relations with the EU. We hope, as Commissioner Fule said, that the wording won't be static, repeating the fact regarding the EC recommendation, but that we will truly go into the next stage of relations. This requires doubling of joint efforts by December, in order to be certain that the Council gives a positive recommendation", said Sannino.

Pertaining to the requests for review of the visa liberalization, the EC official said the visa-free regime is one of the biggest benefits that the Commission has managed to implement with all regional countries, adding that the system should not be misused.

"We closely monitor the visa liberalization enforcement. There is determination to keep doors open and the system to be functional. However, we must be certain it is not abused. If not, the risk is there. It is an issue of responsibility and everyone should have a share in this", stressed Sannino.

Vice Premier for European Affairs Teuta Arifi said the Government has been committed to ending the visa liberalization abuse.

"We remain engaged towards reducing the abuse to minimum. We will adhere to these efforts", added Arifi.

Sannino also referred to the name talks and the draft-framework for its settlement in the early stage of the accession negotiations.

"The issue of good neighborly relations is crucial in this process and we are always underlining this. We believe, as noted in the Progress Report, that the accession process will facilitate the name row settlement. We will continue to work with Macedonian and Greek authorities in order to ensure the achievement of wanted results", he said.

Arifi and Sannino tackled the EC Progress Report, with a focus on the recommendations that need to be addressed in order to resume with the same reform pace.

"Congratulations to the Government and all institutions on a positive report, but they should continue on the same path in the following weeks and months", underlined Sannino.