Post-monitoring dialogue with “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”

Recommendation 2022 (2013)

Author(s):

Parliamentary Assembly

Origin

Assembly debate on 27 June 2013 (26th Sitting) (see Doc. 13227, report of the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee), rapporteur: Mr Walter). Text adopted by the Assembly on 27 June 2013 (26th Sitting).

1. The Parliamentary Assembly refers to its Resolution 1949 (2013) on post-monitoring dialogue with “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”. The Assembly believes that the efforts made by the Macedonian authorities to secure the implementation of the 2001 Ohrid Framework Agreement, pursue reforms in the field of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and proceed with the European integration agenda should be fully supported by the Council of Europe and its member States.

2. The Assembly thus recommends that the Committee of Ministers intensify co-operation activities with “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”, assist the Macedonian authorities in complying with Council of Europe standards and support the construction of an open, democratic and inclusive society, in particular by supporting confidence-building measures among all communities. This will ensure the functioning of democratic institutions at national and local level, strengthen the fight against corruption and discrimination, and safeguard the independence of the judiciary and the media.

3. Moreover, the Macedonian authorities should be invited to make use of the expertise offered by the Council of Europe, including its European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission), to ensure full compatibility of the country’s legislation and practice with the Organisation’s principles and standards.

4. The Assembly therefore recommends that the Committee of Ministers and the Secretary General reinforce the Council of Europe’s presence in “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” and set up a Council of Europe Office, in line with Resolution CM/Res(2010)5 on the status of Council of Europe Offices, in order to, inter alia, provide advice, promote and support the policies and activities of national authorities and local partners related to membership of the Council of Europe, co-ordinate activities in the country with other international organisations and institutions and, generally, strengthen ongoing co-operation with the Macedonian authorities.