14 FMA BULLETIN 73 - DECEMBER 2020

VIRTUAL STUDY VISIT TO FMA, CSDP AND BREXIT

The virtual study visit to North and defence policy. In the discussions must foster the establishment of a Macedonia conducted by the Former held in the European Parliament’s European internal defence market Members’ Association was a new Subcommittee on Defence, which and help to ensure that effective experience for me. While I had was established in 2004, my then use is made of the resources previously participated in conferences colleague Geoffrey van Orden, as the made available through the new ‘on-line’, as necessitated by the Tories’ security policy spokesman, Defence Fund. If the EDA is to carry pandemic, it was my first study trip repeatedly expressed the view that out this task, its funding needs of this kind, with a comprehensive the development of an independent to be increased. programme, including a museum European security and defence policy In the Brexit debate, statements visit. Our discussion partners were in would be harmful and only lead to emerging from the UK suddenly ; Hans-Gert Pöttering, who led unnecessary duplication. hinted at a greater appetite for the delegation, was in Brussels; and The UK was particularly outspoken involvement in the EDA. However, the remaining participants, including in its opposition to the emergence of the simple fact that, in keeping with several from the UK, were in their the European Defence Agency, which its foreign policy traditions, the UK studies and living rooms in various was set up to coordinate Member will have no interest in helping to parts of Europe. States’ procurement and defence create an effective political entity In contrast to real delegation visits of research activities. on the continent after Brexit means this kind, getting from one ministry The departure of the British might that no credence should be given to to another was not an issue, with the now have been expected to have these suggestions. result that numerous meetings could removed a major obstacle to the Nigel Farage, one of the architects be held in a relatively short period development of the Common of Brexit, has made this abundantly of time. We were able to speak Security and Defence Policy. So clear: ‘After Brexit,’ he said in a with President Stevo Pendarovski, far, however, these hopes have conversation with Michel Barnier, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani been dashed. ‘the European Union will no longer and representatives of parliament A clear-eyed assessment of the exist’. Boris Johnson’s current rhetoric and civil society, among others. current priorities of and the situation is less blunt, but it is consistent with The programme also included a in the European Union reveals that at the guiding principle of English discussion with students from the present there is scope only for small foreign policy over the past four University of Skopje. steps in the area of defence. centuries, namely that the country A key topic of the talks was what One such step would be the has permanent interests, but no would happen after Brexit. In that further development of the permanent allies. connection, the fact that President European Defence Agency (EDA), The EDA and the other ESDP Pendarovski had written a doctoral which was established in 2004 to institutions only make sense as thesis on the EU’s Common Security promote defence capabilities, joint instruments of a comprehensive and Defence Policy was of particular procurement and joint research. foreign and security policy for the interest. I have published a book on President Trump is currently exerting European Union. Post-Brexit, that the same subject, which includes strong pressure on the NATO will be the Union of 27. It will not a contribution from Hans-Gert member countries to increase therefore be possible or appropriate Pöttering. This prompted a debate on defence spending. Here I see a to grant the UK special status in European defence and Brexit, which danger of many duplications — not CSDP decision-making bodies is particularly topical at the moment. between NATO and the EU, but after Brexit. The following thoughts are my unnecessary duplications between contribution to this debate: the 27 Member States that arise So far, the UK has primarily sought when each of these countries Karl von Wogau to put a brake on European efforts acts without coordinating with its Germany, EPP-ED (1979-2004) to develop an independent security European neighbours. The EDA [email protected] FMA BULLETIN 73 - DECEMBER 2020 15

VIRTUAL STUDY VISIT TO NORTH MACEDONIA NORTH MACEDONIA IN THE HEART OF THE

After thirty years of dispute, the Even at that time, Belgrade (later regional disputes, such as those Former Yugoslav Republic of the capital of Yugoslavia) banned between Serbia and Kosovo, and Macedonia and Greece agreed, in the use of the name Macedonia between Greece and Cyprus. the ‘Prespa Agreement’, that the and its language. After the Second However, their political orientation is country should be renamed North World War, when federal Yugoslavia towards finding peaceful solutions Macedonia. It seemed that this was formed, Macedonia became by diplomatic means. They stress was the last precondition for EU one of its six republics, and in 1952 that despite Greece blocking their accession negotiations. Recently, Macedonian became its official EU application, they have not however, Bulgaria has blocked language. Slovenes from the post- experienced a single incident. North Macedonia on the basis of war generation can understand Slovenia and North Macedonia have its opposition to the Macedonian and speak the languages of the always traditionally had good political language and its non-recognition of other former Yugoslav republics; and economic relations and this a Macedonian minority in Bulgaria. only Macedonian was different and continues today. Stevo Pendarovski, It was for these reasons that an FMA largely incomprehensible to us. the North Macedonian President, delegation to North Macedonia was The Yugoslav republics cooperated says that Slovenia and Croatia are organised. The Covid-19 emergency with each other economically in their example to follow on the path meant that it was the first virtual accordance with the principles of a to the EU. North Macedonia exports FMA delegation. No communication contract economy, directed by the quality wine, vegetables and fruit. complications were encountered. The Communist Party in Belgrade. In Economic cooperation in the region highest-ranking North Macedonian the 1991 independence processes, continues regardless of the various politicians set out the challenges and Macedonia was the only one of the obstacles and political disputes. spoke of a strong desire and national former Yugoslav republics to achieve The country’s cultural heritage, its commitment to joining the EU. independence without war, but for natural features and the hospitality A historical perspective makes it three decades this small country, of its people need to be experienced easier to understand the unenviable squeezed between countries to first-hand. The country offers an situation in which this young country which it is historically connected, unforgettable experience at the heart in the heart of the Balkans now has had only modest military power of the Balkans. EU integration can finds itself. Before the First World and relatively low GDP. The pressures bring to North Macedonia, among War, the territory was for decades it has come under have various other things, freedom of movement, a part of Bulgaria. The aftermath possible causes: from Serbia, due to which is something those of us with of that war saw the founding of its historical aspirations for a ‘Greater experience of the Iron Curtain can the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Serbia’, which to a large extent appreciate. Slovenes, incorporating part of were responsible for the break-up Macedonia, which was divided of Yugoslavia; from Greece, owing between this kingdom and Greece. to two thousand years of history and Alexander Great, who extended Macedonia all the way to India; and from Bulgaria, with its historical memory of having Macedonia within its territory for almost four decades. Macedonians’ concern about being ‘swamped’ by Albanians should also be taken into account. North Macedonia is again at the Zofija Mazej Kukovič H.E. Mr. Stevo Pendarovski, President intersection of pressures in the Slovenia, EPP-ED (2011-2014) of North Macedonia, during the virtual Balkans today. It is also affected by [email protected] meeting 16 FMA BULLETIN 73 - DECEMBER 2020

EU ACCESSION BUDGET INVESTMENT IN NORTH MACEDONIA

“We have a lot of history here, far can become reality and the timeline politicians have adopted an approach too much. What we need is a bit is calibrated in years rather than to technology that draws heavily more future”, the FMA virtual study months. The challenge for both on the experience of Estonia and visit to North Macedonia was told by the European Union and North other small EU member states. For Nicola Divitrov, Deputy Prime Minister Macedonia is to ensure progress is the EU there are good reasons to for European Affairs. I had heard him both demonstrable and sustainable. direct accession funding toward say it before when I was in Skopje for At present opinion polling shows the strategy. North Macedonia can the Joint Parliamentary Committee 83% of the population backing become a successful digital economy with the then Former Yugoslav EU membership, but the absence but to do so it needs substantial Republic of Macedonia. It’s a line that of progress can erode support and improvements in cyber security. well sums up the political dynamics enthusiasm. While the blockages to Enabling secure digital development of North Macedonia’s long road to progress could only be resolved in the of a potential member state is EU accession. West Balkans, the EU had excuses, also self-evidently in the interests A far-sighted and politically brave now it has to demonstrate its political of the Union. agreement struck between former will to turn its West Balkan strategy The third priority must be cultural Greek PM, Alex Tsipras and his from theory to practice. and educational investment FRYM counterpart, , The European Union Budget through the substantial expansion road mapped the resolution of will be an important tool in of programme-linked funding, in longstanding barriers to accession ensuring accession progresses particular Erasmus+, but also Horizon talks. The Prespes Agreement was and that demonstrable benefits and Creative Europe. There is a ratified somewhat against the odds are delivered. The priority for the clear synergy with digital investment and the constitution of FRYM duly North Macedonian Government is and the creation of opportunities amended to re-name the country infrastructure improvement. Lines of for young citizenry to see their as North Macedonia. Progress on communication between capitals in enthusiasm for the EU realising relations with Bulgaria has followed neighbouring states are limited and life opportunities. and NATO membership duly came frequently tortuous. Improvements in Demonstrable economic and social about on 27 March. The scale of the connections to neighbouring capitals progress in North Macedonia and political challenges that have been and key centres: Tirana, Sofia and Albania through EU budget pre- overcome must now be rewarded. Thessaloniki, are the most obvious accession investment matters not EU Accession, however, remains drivers for an effective return on EU just to those populations but sends a long way off. Fundamental accession investment in terms of a clear signal to the other states in challenges in governmental, economic performance. the West Balkans with aspirations of economic and rule of law standards The second priority is digital EU accession: make the necessary will be required before accession infrastructure. North Macedonian changes and real progress will follow. North Macedonia has come a long way from Prespes, the onward route to Brussels now requires investment.

John Howarth United Kingdom, S&D (2017- 2020) [email protected] A moment of the virtual meeting with H.E. Mr. , Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs @johnhowarth1958 FMA BULLETIN 73 - DECEMBER 2020 17

THE SITUATION OF RULE OF LAW IN NORTH MACEDONIA

Democracy in North Macedonia was under serious threat for almost a decade between 2006 and 2016, when the judiciary, public prosecution, police and media were under the control of the former government, ruling VMRO-DPMNE party and its leader and ex-Prime Minister . After the wiretapping scandal erupted in 2015 and contents of wiretapped conversations were publicly disclosed, the European Commission described the country Fani Karanfilova-Panovska during her intervention at the virtual study visit in 2016 as a ”state and institutional capture”. The main features of the captured rule of law and years in the area of rule of law and full and timely implementation of the captured judiciary were clientelistic judiciary are very well described in procedures on enforcement requests relations between the judiciary and the 2019 European Commission for ECtHR decisions and authorized political elites, manipulation of the country report as well as in the bodies should conduct mandatory Automated Court Case Management up-date on the pace of the reforms and timely audits of the use of the Information System, culture of released in March 2020. European ACCMIS (Automated Court Case absolute impunity of politicians amid Commission’s recommendation for Management Information System). a surge of political corruption, misuse starting the accession talks, was Newly adopted changes to the of amnesty, lack of accountability of followed by the EU Council decision accession negotiations methodology public prosecutors, political pressure in June 2020 stipulating that the would give more powers to the EU on the police in the initial stages first intergovernmental conference to act when acceding country shows of criminal proceeding, abuse of between EU and North Macedonia significant backsliding under the rule institutions and the lack of clear should take place by the end of law. The European Union should long-term reforms in the judiciary, of this year. therefore continue to demonstrate public prosecution, the police and At this point, I would like to political will in order to make the secret services. Today, despite the reiterate civil society call that the upcoming negotiations process with fact that VMRO-DPMNE is no longer accession talks need to start as North Macedonia more predictable, in power and its leader and former soon as possible. In order to secure dynamic and credible. Prime Minister Gruevski is in exile commitment and progress in the in Viktor Orbán’s Hungary, traits of reforms and democratization of state capture remain in the judiciary, the society overall, the government public prosecution and police. We should among other things conduct must uncover the extent of the a comprehensive assessment of the “state capture” in order to be able root causes of “state capture” and to understand existing institutional strengthen the ability of the judiciary, weaknesses, but also to develop public prosecution and the police strategies for early detection, to be proactive in the fight against prevention and proper sanctioning of corruption. Political influence should Fani Karanfilova-Panovska such abuses. be removed and the Parliament Executive Director Progress made in the last four should select non-judge members in Foundation Open Society- the Judicial Council. There should be Macedonia 18 FMA BULLETIN 73 - DECEMBER 2020

NORTH MACEDONIA: CULTURAL HERITAGE AND ...... INFRASTRUCTURE ON THE ROAD TOWARDS THE EU

North Macedonia, an ethnic melting has fewer churches, but which house festivals, involving performances, pot at the heart of the Balkans, has illustrious examples of Byzantine music, theatre and cinema, are well an incomparable artistic, historical art and architecture which should known. Recently, for example, the and cultural heritage. be safeguarded and promoted Giffoni Youth Film Festival was held Known for its enchanting religious – as opposed to newer buildings there – a meeting point for different sites, such as churches and – including through targeted generations and a festival which, monasteries, built between the 11th restoration measures specifically based in Skopje, brought together and 16th centuries, it has preserved designed for historic buildings. film buffs, culture and ideas, with some magnificent Byzantine The Orthodox Ss. Cyril and many of its events also online. frescoes and icons portraying refined Methodius Cathedral, joint patron It is important to bear in mind that, masterpieces of the Macedonian saints of Europe, can be found in at the end of last year, the conflicts school of ecclesiastical painting. Tetovo. in the Balkans were unfortunately From the baroque perspectives and In the capital, which was rebuilt after marked by the ferocity with which Ottoman memories of Skopje to its the disastrous earthquake in 1963, significant cultural heritage was canyons and orthodox monasteries, the Old Bazaar – the largest in the destroyed, or ‘ethnically cleansed’, such as the Monasteries of St. Balkans – can be admired, alongside in the desire to destroy symbols Jovan Bigorski, St. Clement and St. the market and the main mosques, that constitute the heritage which Panteleimon, and to the blue lakes such as that of Mustafa Pasha, as represents the most profound in the south, such as Lake Ohrid, it well as the National Art Gallery, the identity of a people. is a magical place, a gem of peace old Turkish bath converted into a In North Macedonia, religious and and tranquillity, which provides a museum in 1948. The Memorial ethnic identities often coincide and unique refuge for numerous endemic House of Saint Mother Teresa, who today, Muslims cohabit peacefully species of flora and fauna. It is also won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, with Orthodox Christians and home to the town of Ohrid – one is certainly of particular historical and churches with mosques. The of the oldest human settlements spiritual value. The house was built Macedonian Orthodox Church in Europe, the ancient capital of on the ruins of the Church of the (64.8 %) is the main religion for the Bulgarian Empire – of great Sacred Heart of Jesus, where she had Macedonian Slavs; Islam (33.3 %) historical and cultural value – and a been baptised and where she used is practised mostly by the Albanian UNESCO world heritage site since to pray. population and by the Torbesh and 1979. It formerly had 365 Orthodox The nation has a great legacy Turkish minorities; the Catholic churches and used to be called the in terms of its art, architecture Church (0.72 %), by Albanians, with ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans’. It now and music, to the extent that its a dozen or so parishes, and 1.5 % are represented by other unspecified faiths (e.g. those of the Aromanians and Roma). The country is a mosaic of cultures, ethnicities and religions – where Macedonian and Albanian are the main languages spoken – surrounded by Serbia, Albania, Greece and Bulgaria. But it is precisely the difficult relations with its neighbouring states that have been one of the reasons preventing North Macedonia from ‘taking off’, together with its scarcity A moment of the meeting with the President of the Assembly of the Republic of North of resources and poor infrastructure. Macedonia, (the Sobranie), H.E. Mr Talat Xhaferi FMA BULLETIN 73 - DECEMBER 2020 19

NORTH MACEDONIA: CULTURAL HERITAGE AND ...... INFRASTRUCTURE ON THE ROAD TOWARDS THE EU

Even now, Sofia has once again brought up the issue of the historical and cultural legacy that had been the subject of lengthy disputes – which appeared to have been settled three years ago with the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation – according to which Macedonian is considered to be a Bulgarian dialect and the Macedonian national hero A moment of the meeting with the Chair of the Committee on European Affairs, Dr Arbr Goce Delčev is in actual fact of Ademi Bulgarian ethnicity. In 2019, the country resolved the road to the EU’. He went on to in order to reduce fatal accidents its fierce dispute with Greece say that there would be a ‘rigorous on roads and railways, including by by changing its name to ‘North assessment’ of the transposition of adopting legislation on Intelligent Macedonia’ and in March it officially the EU acquis, while Olivér Várhelyi, Transport Systems (ITS) and combined joined NATO, hoping to be able to EU Commissioner for Enlargement, transport, working on a strategic join the European Union in 2025. reiterated the need for ‘rigorous but framework for the implementation of The EU enlargement process to fair assessments’, confirming further ITS and core networks. the Balkans has slowed down progress in the implementation of In particular, the country should dramatically owing to the COVID reforms in North Macedonia, which, further strengthen the operational and Brexit crises. With its October in March, had managed to secure the and technical capacity of all communication entitled ‘Enhancing long-awaited opening of accession management institutions and the accession process – A credible EU negotiations, and is preparing itself stakeholders involved in the perspective for the Western Balkans’, for the first intergovernmental development of the Trans-European the Commission is assessing the key conferences. Transport Networks (TEN-T) and progress made in each country: this The geographical location of North Trans-European Energy Networks covers, inter alia, the rule of law and Macedonia, at the heart of the (TEN-E), and harmonise its legal judicial culture, the fight against Balkan peninsula, has contributed framework with the Trans-European corruption, freedom of expression substantially to the development of Network Regulation. and media pluralism. , the transport network and, above It is vital that North Macedonia Vice-President of the Commission/ all, of the country’s road system, continue its reforms, in order High Representative of the Union for which includes the two interlinked to facilitate the movement of Foreign Affairs, stated: ‘The citizens pan-European corridors: Corridor VIII, resources towards more productive of the Western Balkans are part of East-West, and Corridor X, North- opportunities, to complete its work Europe and we have a shared interest South. on infrastructure and structural in helping these six partners move The country, a strategic partner transformation, promoting the forward on their EU path. With the in areas such as immigration and adoption and innovation of Economic and Investment Plan, terrorism, is moderately prepared technology, developing new we are backing our Enlargement when it comes to the transport employment opportunities and Package assessment with action, sector. Further political efforts are making effective use of its strategic providing deep and strong support still needed to deliver the necessary position. for economic recovery and sectoral reforms; to strengthen reform – for a modern, greener and the operational and administrative Monica Baldi more prosperous Western Balkans capacity of inspection bodies and Italy, EPP-ED (1994-1999) delivering better to their citizens on to develop enforcement capacity [email protected] 20 FMA BULLETIN 73 - DECEMBER 2020

INTERETHNIC DIALOGUE AND RIGHTS OF WOMEN

Thanks to an online ‘Study visit’ to North Macedonia by representatives of our association (FMA), we now have a much clearer understanding of the problems this small country and candidate for EU membership currently faces. North Macedonia’s location and diverse ethnic make-up have Anna Karamanou during the virtual study visit influenced the country’s history, politics and record on women’s rights. The states that emerged from working in the country to improve which opened up the possibility for the ruins of the Ottoman Empire in life for its Roma population. the country to join both NATO and the 19th century still bear the burden Women have contributed a great the EU. In addition, the feminist of their imperial past. Since breaking deal to the political discussion movement was able to ensure that at away from Yugoslavia in 1991, North over the last 30 years, alongside least 40% of local and parliamentary Macedonia has functioned as an organisations that have done ballots featured women candidates, independent multi-ethnic state. important work to promote and that laws were passed against In my opinion, the country’s greatest international dialogue, reconciliation domestic violence, sexual harassment achievement is that it has managed and the peaceful coexistence of and workplace discrimination. to operate as a unified state that the country’s various communities. The movement was also able to brings together Macedonians (64%), The feminist movement has grown protect both abortion and LGBTQI Albanians (25.2%), Turks (2.7%) substantially over the years, booming rights. Despite this progress, and Roma (1.8%) as well as smaller around the late 1990s and the early however, women still struggle numbers of Serbs, Bosnians and 2000s, and it has managed to unite to find employment in North Vlachs (according to the most recent women from different ethnic groups Macedonia, with 39% of women 2002 census). Under the constitution, and faiths as well as representatives in work compared to 61% of men. all ethnic groups enjoy the same of political parties, popular Meanwhile, women continue to be legal rights and the state protects organisations and even individual under-represented in government and promotes their respective women activists. Relations, however, and other leadership positions: for cultures. Moreover, minority groups were often marred by violent ethnic example, none of the country’s four can use their own language in clashes primarily between Albanians vice presidents are women and official contexts if they make up and Macedonians, culminating in only 6 of its 87 mayors are female. at least 20% of the population of seven deaths in 2012. Moreover, Of course, problematic patriarchal their municipality, while Albanian the rise of nationalist movements stereotypes persist, alongside ethnic MPs can use their language in the between 2006 and 2017 impeded and communal tensions. For this parliament. Šuto Orizari, a suburb of the progress that had been made reason, we believe that empowering Skopje, has adopted Romani as an in previous years to resolve external women and working towards real official language; meanwhile, the conflicts and improve relations with sexual equality will help to modernise government has demonstrated a firm Greece and Bulgaria. North Macedonia and align it more political commitment to integrating After the elections in 2017 and more closely with European values. the Roma people into Macedonian recently in July 2020 saw Zoran society and improving their Zaev’s pro-European coalition come living conditions, mainly through to power, both international relations education. It should also be noted and tensions between ethnic groups Anna Karamanou that many women led NGOs are have improved, especially after Greece, S&D (1997-2004) the Prespa Agreement (July 2018), [email protected] FMA BULLETIN 73 - DECEMBER 2020 21

MEETING WITH THE YOUNG GENERATION

In October a group of former MEPs scheme to include a wider demo- backsliding by some Member States met with university students from graphic of young people not just particularly with regard to women’s 5 universities in North Macedonia university students. North Macedo- rights and gender equality. North via zoom at the end of a virtual nian youth are able to participate Macedonia has made more progress study visit to Skopje. After a short in aspects of the scheme and also than some Member States by introductory speech from Dr Hans- the newer European Solidarity ratifying the Istanbul Convention. Gert Pöttering (FMA President and Corps programme which focuses on Meanwhile, improvements are being Former President of the European volunteering. made regarding LGBT rights at a Parliament) the meeting was opened Unsurprisingly, issues related to legislative level but there’s still a lot of up for a Q&A session. historic problems between North ground to make up. Although the students were a little Macedonia and its neighbours, Female students on the call were overawed at first and hesitant to Bulgaria and Greece, were discussed. particularly appreciative to hear speak, FMA member Jackie Jones, Students were reminded that the strong women politicians: a former Professor of Law, helped successful resolution of the name “I’ve been so passionate about to break the ice by asking the dispute with Greece demonstrates women’s rights and gender students to say something about that even the most difficult issues can equality my whole life so when you themselves and their studies. Many be solved with political will and that mentioned it on the zoom meeting, were studying law, International the EU was gearing up to progress I had to say something,” wrote Relations, European Affairs and the accession process after a year of Artina Mustafi, a law student from related subjects. They were very delays that began when President Tetovo, in a twitter message she sent keen to know how long it would be Macron blocked agreement at the to me later. “As a muslim feminist, I before Northern Macedonia would Council Summit in October 2019. get a lot of Islamophobic, sexist and be a fully fledged member of the EU. We emphasised that our study visit misogynistic DMs from people who Already their generation have missed was evidence of a renewed political think that it’s absurd to identify as a out on many opportunities and it effort to bring the remaining Balkans feminist since I’m Muslim... but I’ve was obvious that the students shared countries into the European family, never stopped talking about how our European values and were keen recognising that peace and stability Islam is inherently feminist and I’ll to experience the benefits enjoyed by in the region means a peaceful and never stop fighting against racism, their peers in neighbouring countries secure Europe for all. homophobia, xenophobia even that have already joined the bloc. We enjoyed a lively discussion about though I live in the Balkans, which I As a former member of the what it means to be an EU Member think makes it a little bit harder since Education and Culture Committee State with comments about the people are not that open minded. I was able to take some credit for regrettable withdrawal of the UK I’m willing to do everything to help the broadening out of the Erasmus+ and references to the unfortunate my country change for the better. We are stronger together...”

Julie Ward United Kingdom, S&D (2014- 2020) [email protected] A moment of the virtual meeting with the students @julie4nw 22 FMA BULLETIN 73 - DECEMBER 2020

A DREAM FOR A NORTH MACEDONIA CITIZEN

I am Viola Mahmudi, a law student. infrastructure. For example, I would as there are irresponsible people in Every citizen of the Republic of North like to see more people use public our countries who want to steal for Macedonia wants our country to be transport so that we can have cleaner themselves, with the poor being part of the EU. air. I would also like to see improved left to deal with the consequences, If my country became part of the conditions for people with special inter-ethnic dialogue in the Balkans EU, I would hope, firstly, that salaries needs, who are often overlooked. will always be a failure. would go up, because they are very This could include installing audible When it comes to the future of these low here. It is impossible for families signals at pedestrian crossings and countries, many young people end to live a normal life on minimum providing ramps to facilitate access to up getting left behind. Even student wage, because expenses such as public buildings. protests in our countries are pointless electricity, telephone bills and food Regional cooperation in the Balkans because the sons and daughters of are very high. still needs more work because there ministry directors or similar pass all of I would like more jobs to be created is a lot of tension between peoples their exams without ever attending and for more than half of the people of different ethnicities. However, class, and they then go on to take receiving unemployment benefit to I think that this situation will be jobs away from more deserving be given jobs so that they do not resolved in the near future because students. The same is true in all have to rely on money or favours we all want to live in harmony. We Balkan countries. So my question from political parties, something have all experienced wars with is, how can there ever be regional which is very common in the senseless killings. cooperation with these people Republic of North Macedonia. Inter-ethnic dialogue in the Balkans in charge? One of the most important things I will not be resolved until the day would like to see would be an end when corruption and electoral fraud to corruption, because in my country, are stamped out and until political corruption prevails in all institutions, parties and the people in them hospitals, schools and universities – are aware that the main goal for with many reliant on the support of a themselves and for every citizen of particular political party. the Balkan countries is to follow in I would also like to see better the example of EU countries. As long

Viola Mahmudi A moment of the virtual meeting with the students Student at University of Tetovo [email protected] FMA BULLETIN 73 - DECEMBER 2020 23

IF NORTH MACEDONIA JOINED THE EU ...

legislation. For example: Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) states ‘No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment’, which is not yet fully implemented in North Macedonia. Article 8 ECHR lays down the right to respect for private and family life, which is also often violated in North Macedonia. Article 9 ECHR on ‘Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion’ is not upheld because we are a multi-confessional and multi-ethnic state and this right has suffered consistent blows. Article 10 Photo by Thiago Rocha on Unsplash ECHR covers freedom of expression, which in North Macedonia is My expectations from the accession are not influenced by political parties threatened by a number of of North Macedonia to the EU, a or the policies they support; in short, dominant factors, including political, community of stability, democracy, judges that meet the vetting criteria. economic, ethnic and religious security and prosperity, are high. I would also expect to see a reform ones. Finally, Article 14 ECHR covers I would expect to see the standard of of the executive branch, with the the right not to be discriminated living in general improve and to see government appointing adequately against, observance of which has increased economic development, trained officials with the right skills intermittently improved over time including gross domestic product to successfully lead their respective in North Macedonia – comparing growth, higher wages and pensions, departments. By doing so, the pluralism under Yugoslavia to the free movement of labour, goods, government will reap success in all present situation – as successive services and capital, growth of areas of the executive branch, both political governments have abused or the internal market and domestic in terms of political leadership and upheld it. demand, and investment in achieving when it comes to managing and Against this background, I believe fair competition. leading individual departments. What that North Macedonia should I think that EU membership would is more, the executive branch should work consistently and effectively bring about reform in the North place special emphasis on the fair at meeting the EU’s legal criteria in Macedonian judicial system, which distribution of resources and ensure order to accelerate the accession would make courts unbiased and fair, that departments are committed process, given that EU membership make them issue transparent rulings to achieving institutional progress is a crucial issue for the state and its regardless of race, gender, religion, and ensuring that the head of state citizens. sexual orientation, ethnicity or age, openly exercises his or her legal rights and help to reduce the backlog of in relation to the departments of the cases pending trial. I would also executive branch. expect such a judicial reform to bring Most human rights are enshrined in judges who have the requisite legal in North Macedonia’s Constitution. training, who have not been involved If North Macedonia is to join the Artina Mustafi in criminal offences in the past or EU, it has to develop these rights Student at University of Tetovo while in office, and whose decisions and harmonise them with EU [email protected]