UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

Macedonia’s Bid for EU Membership

Wednesday, 31 January 2007

Macedonia is looking to be the next possible EU member, following in the footsteps of Bulgaria and Romania.

Geoff Hoon, Minister for Europe, met the Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Gabriela Konevska, at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to discuss Macedonia's possible position as a member of the EU.

"The UK remains a firm supporter of EU and NATO membership for Macedonia as soon as the necessary conditions are met. In our meeting today, I emphasised the work required by the Macedonian government to push through the implementation of concrete reforms, and stressed the practical and political support we are providing." said Mr. Hoon.

Macedonia's expectation, which is based on the results achieved so far, is that 2007 will be the year of setting the date for launch of negotiations for membership in EU.