Macedonia 'Retains' Recommendation for Start of EU Talks

In 2009, Macedonia was praised for its reforms, prompting Brussels to recommend the start of accession talks with the EU, but negotiations have since been blocked by Greece because of the unresolved name dispute between the two countries.

Macedonia fulfils the political criteria for EU membership but has made "uneven" progress with reforms during the last year, the 2010 report concludes. The report will be officially released on November 9.

The Commission says that a solution to the name issue remains essential if the country is to continue smoothly on its way towards EU membership. The seven bilateral meetings between the Macedonian and Greek prime ministers over the course of the last few months are described as "positive steps".

But there is also a warning for Macedonia to avoid "actions and statements which could negatively impact on good neighbourly relations."

The commission points out that "further efforts are needed in most areas related to the political criteria." The authors are particularly concerned about the "independence of the judiciary, reform of public administration and freedom of expression in the media. Political dialogue needs to be strengthened."

For the first time, Brussels sees freedom of expression in danger in Macedonia, with media that remain divided along ethnic and political lines. Even though the report assesses the area in general as well protected, it notes that intimidation of journalists is of concern and that "little progress is made in ensuring transparent, independent and diverse media."

The report notes only limited improvement in the Macedonian judiciary and raises concerns about its independence and impartiality.

Public administration is deemed another problematic area. Even if some relevant laws have been adopted, the administration's transparency, professionalism and independence remain doubtful. "There has been undue political interference in recruitment and promotions at all levels," the report states.

The Macedonian economy has suffered little from the worldwide crisis since its financial sector is relatively unexposed to toxic international assets. However, the Commission notes the country's very high unemployment rate (over 30 per cent), particularly among young people.

It points to Macedonia's institutional weaknesses in the economic sector and recalls that "deficiencies in the rule of law continue to have a negative bearing on the business climate."