Macedonia to Receive Framework for Negotiations with EU by End of Week

The negotiating framework for Macedonia and Albania will be submitted to the European Union Council by the end of this week, EU Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi said at a plenary session of the European Parliament. Varhelyi added that in addition to the framework, a report on the progress made in the reform agenda by Skopje and Tirana will be presented. However, according to him, additional efforts are needed by the Western Balkan countries in terms of the rule of law, the fight against corruption and fundamental freedoms and human rights. The European Commissioner also reiterated the message that the pace of reforms in the two countries will reflect on the pace of negotiations for membership in the Union. Varhelyi added that an economic and investment package for the Western Balkans will follow in autumn, which he said he expects to bring the region closer to the European Union.