Macedonia will become part of EU if it continues to successfully implement political and economic reforms, UK Minister for Europe Alexander Douglas told Macedonian politicians on Wednesday.
He assessed meetings with PM Vlado Buckovski, Vice-Premier Radmila Sekerinska and DUI leader Ali Ahmeti as constructive and production, adding that EU and the British Presidency continued to support efforts for Union enlargement. At the same time, Alexander continued, Balkan countries have to show that they are truly ready to joint the European family.
Minister Alexander stressed that the French and Dutch referendums that rejected the EU Constitution would not influence the future status of the enlargement process, adding that no country could become part of the Union without fulfilling the prescribed conditions.
"You will receive the European Commission 'avis' in November. By itself, this is a huge political achievement, a testimony that the country's political leaders respect their pledges for a multiethnic, modern, European state", Alexander stressed.
Regarding Macedonia's progress on the path to the EU in comparison to other Balkan countries, the UK Minister stated that each aspirant-country would be evaluated according to individual achievements.