High Level Accession Dialogue - Joint Conclusions
- Prime Minister Gruevski and Commissioner Füle chaired the fourth High Level Accession Dialogue (HLAD) on 9 April. The plenary session included the participation of Government Ministers, and for the first time, the Chair and Co-Chairs of the National Council for European Integration (NCEI). The High Level Accession Dialogue continues to provide valuable support to the accession process of the country by focusing on key reform priorities.
- The timing of this HLAD meeting was particularly important coming just a week before the adoption of the Commission Report, requested by the Council in December 2012, which will review overall progress made in the context of the HLAD reforms, good neighbourly relations and steps taken to resolve the name issue.
- The fourth meeting reviewed progress to date as regards the implementation of reforms in the five priority areas set out in the government's roadmap. These areas include freedom of expression and the media, rule of law and fundamental rights, public administration reform, electoral reform and strengthening the market economy.
- Overall, action has been taken in relation to almost all of the targets set in March 2012 with valuable progress achieved and with several targets completed. The challenge in 2013 is to maintain the momentum for reform and ensure continued and effective implementation.
- Following the recently held local elections Commissioner Füle and Prime Minister Gruevski observed the OSCE preliminary evaluation that they were efficient and competitive. They stressed the importance of addressing recommendations from OSCE/ODIHR, regarding the identified shortcomings. The working group on elections will be reconvened shortly.
- Prime Minister Gruevski reaffirmed the commitment to continue with the reforms in the five HLAD areas and reiterated the expectations for positive Spring Report which will enable adopting a decision on June council to start accession negotiations.
- Commissioner Füle reiterated the need for an inclusive and transparent approach in taking forward all reforms, including the systematic consultation and involvement of the Parliament and the National Council of European Integration, as well as other stakeholders.
- Commissioner Füle and Prime Minister Gruevski stressed the importance of the implementation of the 1 March agreement overcoming the political crisis that arose out of the events in Parliament on 24 December 2012. Key elements of the agreement, which should be addressed urgently, are the establishment of the Committee of Inquiry, agreement on the Memorandum of Understanding for a cross party commitment to EU integration, and creating the conditions and taking the necessary confidence building measures for the resumption of the media dialogue.
- Commissioner Füle and Prime Minister Gruevski reiterated the importance of maintaining good neighbourly relations with all neighbours and building on existing ties and cooperation. The talks under the UN auspices for a negotiated and mutually acceptable solution to the name issue should be pursued with continuous vigour. The intensification of those talks were welcomed by Commissioner Füle and Prime Minister Gruevski, who also expressed hope that the currently ongoing negotiations led by the UN Secretary General's personal Envoy would bring concrete results.
