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Europe
Macedonia |
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Republic of Macedonia is the constitutional name, used by the UK since 1999 for bilateral and internal purposes. Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is used in multilateral forums such as the EU or UN. Last reviewed: 06 August 2009 |
Country information
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Macedonia's Relations with Neighbours
Greece and the Name issue
International recognition of Macedonia's split from Yugoslavia in 1991 was held up by Greek fears that the country's constitutional name implied territorial ambitions on the northern Greek region of Macedonia. In September 1995, following three years of difficult relations, Greece and Macedonia signed an Interim Accord facilitating the normalisation of relations and Greece recognised Macedonia under the designation 'former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia' (fYROM). Macedonians do not use the acronym 'fYROM' and they dislike its use by others. The UK uses ‘Republic of Macedonia’ in bilateral relations but in certain international fora uses the designation ‘former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’. Some countries however have recognised Macedonia under its constitutional name, including the US in 2004.
Negotiations are continuing under UN auspices to find a mutually acceptable solution.
Greece remains the largest investor in Macedonia.
Kosovo
On 9 October 2008, both Macedonia and Montenegro announced their decisions to recognise the independence of Kosovo. At the same time both countries stress their desire to continue to build close relations with Serbia. Macedonia does accept the new Kosovo passports as a legitimate travel document.
Serbia
Macedonia also enjoys good relations with Serbia although there are some thorny issues, primarily over the refusal of the Serbian Orthodox Church to recognise the Macedonian Orthodox Church as an independent Church.
Albania/Bulgaria
Macedonian also borders Albanian and Bulgaria. Relations with both are good, although there are some issues with Bulgaria over identity: while Bulgaria recognises the territory of the Republic of Macedonia it does not recognise the nationality “Macedonian”.
Macedonia's Relations with the International Community
EU
In April 2001, Macedonia signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with EU, which entered into force three years later. A formal application for EU membership was subsequently submitted, in March 2004. Following the Commission’s recommendation, the European Council decided on 16 December 2005 to grant candidate status to the country, under the UK Presidency. Macedonia has not yet started accession negotiations with EU. In the Accession partnership for 2008, the Commission set out eight key priorities to be used as benchmarks to assess the readiness of the country to start accession negotiations. The 2008 EU Commission progress report highlighted some progress in achieving the eight benchmarks, but has also identified some serious shortcomings particularly on the political criteria and the 2008 parliamentary elections, which did not meet key international standards. As a result the Commission did not offer a date to start negotiations.
The new set of indicators under the eight benchmarks and the elections as de-facto 9th benchmark, was handed over to the Macedonian Government in April 2009. The 2009 Progress Report will be issued in October assessing the progress under these indicators. It remains to be seen whether this year Macedonia will receive a positive recommendation to start negotiations with the EU.
On 15 July the EU Commission adopted a proposal for granting visa free travel to the citizens of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. The proposal needs to be approved by the Council after consultations with the European Parliament. It will enable the citizens of these three countries to travel to the Schengen countries with the new biometric passports.
Macedonia met all the necessary conditions defined within the roadmaps presented by the Commission. It was considered a leader in the region, making extensive progress in improving passport security, strengthening border controls, reinforcing the institutional framework to fight organised crime and corruption, as well as in external relations and fundamental rights.
NATO
Macedonia is seeking NATO membership and is part of the Membership Action Plan. Allies did not extend an invitation for membership at the Bucharest Summit in April 2008, but agreed that an invitation would be offered as soon as a mutually acceptable solution was reached with Greece on the name issue. Macedonia has already provided support to NATO’s operations in Kosovo and has a company committed to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.
Macedonia's Relations with the UK
UK Development Assistance
- The British Embassy in Skopje works with international and local partners to implement projects that facilitate meeting the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) objectives and strategic priorities. The Embassy applies for funding to the FCO in London, identifying projects that can access resources from the following funds:
The Strategic Programme Fund (SPF) promotes action on global issues in areas of strategic importance to the UK, such as political transparency and good governance, capacity building of public administration, security and justice sector reforms and promotion of human rights, as well as a functioning market economy.
- Diplomatic efforts to tackle drugs and crime are backed up, where appropriate, by funds for bilateral and multilateral project work from the FCO’s Drugs and Crime Fund (DCF).
- The Bilateral Programme Budget (BPB) is a devolved fund available for smaller scale projects in institution building, good governance and participatory and accountable democracy, minority rights, implementation of SAA requirements and European Partnerships.
Specifically, the FCO and the Embassy's project work is focused in the following areas:
Objective 1: To increase political transparency and good governance
The EU’s agreements and action plans with neighbouring countries place a strong emphasis on progress in this area. It is fundamental to political and economic development, to combat corruption, build investor confidence and pave the way for faster EU integration.
Projects need to support:
1.1 Establishment and operation of legal and institutional checks and balances that improve transparency in political and economic policy-making and implementation.
1.2 Development and use of mechanisms and skills that enable citizens to engage with elected political candidates/representatives and so participate in local and national political processes
1.3 Development and mobilisation of media capacity to act as an agent for transparency and accountability.
Objective 2: To build capacity in public administration
Co-ordination of the legislative, administrative, operational and policy work demanded by the EU integration process is a formidable challenge. Governments need to review the scale and organisation of their human and financial resources and put in place strong systems for strategic direction and communication at central, regional and local level. This is a long process that may need to be supported well before accession negotiations begin. The UK is recognised as one of the most efficient EU "operators" and its expertise is in strong demand.
Projects need to support:
2.1 Establishment of structures, mechanisms and skills, drawing on UK best practise, for an effective and politically neutral civil service including transparent recruiting on basis of merit; strengthened business planning and performance management systems; effective financial and HR management
2.2 Establishment and operation of structures, mechanisms and skills for planning and co-ordination of EU integration process.
2.3 Establishment of operation of best practice models of policy-making, service delivery and performance measurement in key areas of public administration
2.4 Mobilisation and co-ordination of players outside central government to contribute to success of EU integration process.
Objective 3: To strengthen reforms in the security and justice sector and promote human rights
This is one of the most challenging aspects of the EU harmonisation process. There is already substantial investment in this area by the EU and others, but monitoring suggests that more progress is needed. Even where legislation and institutions exist, effective implementation can be hampered by poor communication and lack of trust. Joined-up working can have a transforming effect in safeguarding human rights, reducing corruption, increasing efficiency and winning public and investor confidence. Aspects of human rights and minority rights can be particularly challenging.
Successful social inclusion is crucial in many of countries we work in if they are to achieve political and economic stability and may be fundamental to the process of integration with the EU.
Projects need to support:
3.1 Establishment of mechanisms and development of operational capacity developed to increase transparency of, and public confidence in, the judicial system, border management and law enforcement including through inter-agency and cross-border co-operation, to enhance effectiveness in combating organised and other serious crime
3.2 Development and operation of mechanisms and models and capacity building to act to reduce burdens on courts and prisons, including through inter-agency co-operation
3.3 Establishment of functioning mechanisms, and capacity building to promote inclusiveness and a voice for marginalised groups, meet international human rights standards, and safeguard rights of vulnerable groups in the justice system.
Objective 4: To strengthen economic reforms in line with the Lisbon agenda
It is important for the success and continuation of the enlargement process to try and prevent, or at least lessen, the risks of opposition to and disillusionment with reform. This can stem from the unemployment and income disparity that may accompany economic restructuring. Promoting growth, job creation, innovation and productivity - the 'Lisbon Agenda' goals - are the keys to overcoming this. For those closer to EU accession it can help create the conditions for strong economic growth and competitiveness post-accession. It is a field where the UK is known and respected for its policies.
Projects need to support:
4.1 Establishment and functioning of effective and compatible structures for regulatory impact assessment.
4.2 Strengthening of regulatory environment and delivery of training to improve the application of commercial and financial law
4.3 Development of functioning mechanisms, policies and skills in local and regional authorities to lead economic development and access EU funds
4.4. Promotion of Lisbon Agenda competitiveness goals (jobs, growth and productivity) along UK lines by at least 4 countries in projects related to innovation, skills, enterprise, labour or education
- To build capacity in public administration.
- To strengthen reforms in the justice sector and promote human rights.
- To strengthen economic reforms in line with the Lisbon Agenda.
Cultural Relations with the UK
Bilateral relations between Macedonia and UK are excellent. Macedonia and Britain signed a Cultural Agreement in 2000.
