EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn today is on a one-day visit to Skopje. His visit has marked the start of the screening process for the start of the EU negotiations.
Hahn first arrived in the Government, where he attended the 79-th government session, at which the only item on the agenda was the Information on the concept and structure of the Republic of Macedonia’s EU accession negotiations.
Vice Prime Minister Bujar Osmani has been appointed as chief negotiator, and Prime Minister’s advisor Bojan Maricic as technical negotiator.
Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, at a joint press conference with EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn, stated that together they are defining the next steps of the screening and preparatory work for the negotiations.
“We have determined common dynamics of the negotiations by setting up a structure for the negotiations on our and their side. Today, Hahn presented the principle screening plan, and we adopted conclusions”, added Zaev.
“It is up to you to decide on the future of your country, in a free and sovereign manner. The citizens need to make the final decision, to exercise their democratic right and to participate in the upcoming referendum” highlighted Hahn.
Ivo Vajgl, rapporteur for Macedonia in the European Parliament, at the session of the National European Integration Council in the Macedonian Assembly, where EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn was also present, stated that this is a key historic moment for Macedonia, and should be assessed as a first concrete step towards EU membership.
“This is not a formality; this is an essential chance for progress. EU and NATO membership are a historic opportunity for Macedonia. there will be no second chance, I want to convey the message to you that there will be no second chance to solve open issues that have been burdening Macedonia’s EU accession process for many years after you became a candidate country for membership”, said Vajgl.
“It is important for you to demonstrate inclusion and that work is made on strategic priorities of the country. You have a unique opportunity for all various forces in society to unite and make a difference for the better. Many challenges lie ahead of us, therefore I encourage you to be concentrated and united” said Hahn.
The opposition and the government expressed different views in regards to the institutional preparedness of the country for accession negotiations at today’s session of the National European Integration Council. Prime Minister Zoran Zaev at today’s press conference announced that today consultations are starting on convening a new leaders’ meeting for overcoming the differences with the opposition related to the preparatory work for the referendum, that is to follow in Republic of Macedonia.
“We all need to remain dedicated to this moment, to help this process, as the EU Commissioner pointed out, primarily for the benefit of the citizens of Republic of Macedonia, but also for our partners in EU, and that is why tomorrow night we will probably convene a leaders’ meeting, in order to accelerate the processes relating to the preparatory work of RM for the upcoming referendum”, added Zaev.
The head of the opposition, Hristijan Mickoski, as Zaev explained, is supposed to travel on Thursday, so that is why the leaders’ meeting will be agreed for tomorrow night. The Government adopted the draft-law on amending the Electoral Code at its regular 80-th session, with a shortened procedure, which is to enable the election of the State Election Commission and the overcoming of the objective weaknesses in practice.
As the Government announces, the changes refer to several paragraphs of Article 27, in which paragraph 3 is deleted, which states: “The Parliamentary Committee on Elections and Appointments shall prepare a draft list from the candidates who have applied and shall submit it to the Parliament”.
In paragraph 4, which states “From the candidates on the draft list, the political parties in opposition shall nominate the president of the State Election Commission and two members of the State Election Commission and the ruling parties shall nominate the vice-president and three members of the State Election Commission” the words “draft list” are deleted.
In paragraph 5, which states “The president, vice-president and the members of State Election Commission are elected by the Parliament with a two third majority from the total number of Members of Parliament”, the words “two third” are deleted.
This summer CIVIL will be organizing numerous activities in which citizen journalists can take part, especially ahead of the hot political autumn, when they can play an important role in the implementation of a fair and democratic referendum process.
The first seminar that is coming up will be held in Hotel Gardenia in Veles, on July 28, 2018 (Saturday), from 11.00 am until 5.00 pm. All citizens from the municipalities of Veles, Sveti Nikole, Gradsko, Lozovo, Rosoman, Cashka, Kavadarci and Negotino have the right to participate at the seminar.
The second seminar will be held at the House of Youth in Stip, on July 29, 2018 (Sunday) from 11.00 am until 5.00 pm. Citizens from Stip, Kocani, Radovis, Probistip, Berovo, Pehcevo, Delcevo, Vinica can participate.
It is known that CIVIL has been giving awards for three years now. Every second month it gives awards for the best and most influential videos, photos and texts that have been published on the website for citizen journalism Civic Lenses.
А. P.
