Steven Vanackere meets his FYROM counterpart Antonio Milososki

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Steven Vanackere today met his counterpart Antonio Milososki, Foreign Affairs Minister from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). The discussion took place in the framework of the Presidency of the General Affairs Council which Minister Vanackere took over on 1 July. EU enlargement will once again be on the agenda next autumn. The candidacy of FYROM for EU accession dating back to 2005 was therefore on of the main subjects of discussion between both ministers.
 
Steven Vanackere assured Minister Milososki of the Belgian ambition to perform its role as president in a balanced and efficient way. Only a few weeks ago at the Sarajevo Conference, the EU confirmed the perspective for all Western Balkan countries to join the EU. The involvement of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in bringing about the necessary reforms in preparation for EU membership is very important. Each country holds the key for its future in its own hands and is preparing for both the opportunities and challenges that it can expect when joining the Union.
 
The Belgian presidency will contribute carefully to bringing together the required elements for the further advancement of the enlargement process in the coming six months.