“The Council looks forward to holding the first intergovernmental conferences with the Republic of North Macedonia and Albania as soon as possible this year after the negotiating framework is approved by the Council,” states the EU Council’s draft conclusions as disclosed by the MIA news agency.
The draft conclusions, set to be agreed at this week’s EU summit, then called for respect for bilateral agreements with Greece and Bulgaria in a spirit of trust.
The Council also welcomed Macedonia’s reform progress that provided the green light for negotiations in March 2020 and the holding of local elections. However, EU leaders also noted the gaps in the legal framework and called for a comprehensive revision of election legislation in a timely and inclusive manner.
The EU called on North Macedonia to strengthen freedom of expression and the safety of journalists.
Progress has also been noted in public administration reform, although additional efforts are needed. And although the reform of the security and intelligence services in line with NATO requirements was welcomed, it was also stressed that parliamentary oversight should be strengthened.
The census was also highlighted as positive, and the EU says it expects results in the coming months.
