EU Politics

EU Politics

New participating country in the Europe for citizens Programme: Republic of Macedonia

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is an eligible country within the Europe for Citizens programme as from 19 March 2009.
A Memorandum of Understanding with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia allowing its participation from the budget year 2009 has been signed on 19 March 2009 by an exchange of letters . Participants from this country are therefore eligible for all the application deadlines after 19 March 2009.

Christian Hedberg appointed new Head of Unit for Macedonia in DG Enlargement

Today, Brussel's insiders reported that Christian Hedberg, deputy head of cabinet of EU Commissioner Kuneva will be appointed Head of Unit for Macedonia in the DG Enlargement. Hedberg, who is well known for his outstanding record in politics, is said to have close links to Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn.

It is expected that the new Head of Unit will be carefully optimistic towards Macedonia's EU membership.

Macedonia faces challenges, pressure in 2009

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski heads an ambitious and optimistic government, but has major roadblocks to overcome if the country is to move ahead with its EU hopes.By Zoran Nikolovski for Southeast European Times in Skopje – 09/01/09Macedonia's EU accession plans hinge on the upcoming elections.

Macedonia has its sights set on opening membership negotiations with the EU and NATO this year, goals that hinge on two main criteria. One is the country's local and presidential vote, scheduled for March 22nd. The other is a solution to the ongoing name dispute with Greece. Both present serious challenges.

Western Balkans still way off EU entry criteria

EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn made clear yesterday (5 November) that Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Kosovo, are still a long way away from getting clear persprectives of EU accession. Presenting the European Commission's progress reports on candidate countries and potential new entrants to the European Parliament, Rehn made a clear distinction between Croatia and the remaining Western Balkan applicants. Alluding to Winston Churchill, who once famously said "the Balkans produce more history than they can consume," Rehn said there was "no end of history for the Western Balkans".