SKOPJE – The government is now even more energetic to lead the reform processes, said Prime Minister Zoran Zaev this morning at a joint press conference with EU Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn.
“We are ready to take a new step forward. The clear recommendation is a strong motive for the next difficult but achievable goal. The decision for a date for negotiations at the June Summit is our next goal. We are very determined to carry out substantive reforms. We will define a new plan for the realization of the reforms by the end of 2018. The European Commission’s report valued all our committed efforts that are characteristic of a democratically oriented state”, said Zaev who thanked all the citizens, the civil sector and all political parties for the recent success.
EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn said he was happy to be in Skopje and congratulated both the Government and the opposition.
“Lets enjoy the moment and the duty to continue what was started. This is the path towards the EU, and I think it’s a good path. Much remains to be done. Now, the laws must be implemented. It is not enough just to change the laws. I congratulate the Government and the opposition because they were constructive in achieving this national goal. The citizens of Macedonia deserved this recommendation. The country has come a long way despite the difficult circumstances and it is firmly back on the European path”, said Hahn, who personally handed over the progress report to Prime Minister Zaev.
The fact is, we have worked hard and Macedonia truly deserves a crystal clear recommendation from Brussels, said Prime Minister Zaev.
“The words in that recommendation are important to me, because for us it is either encouragement or discouragement. It is important for the citizens and for all involved in the reform processes. Following this recommendation, Macedonia will continue with the reforms. And, indeed, if our efforts are confirmed, we expect to receive a crystal clear recommendation. I believe that we will deserve it and it will be an additional motivation to move forward with the reforms,” said Zaev.