EU Special Representative and EC Ambassador to Macedonia Erwan Fouere said in Skopje today that the European Commission's positive opinion on Macedonia's membership application opened a new stage in Macedonia's relations with the EU and represented an important political message, recognizing the efforts of the country to overcome past divisions and the Government's great progress in conducting reforms. This decision also welcomes Macedonia's ultimate goal for joining the EU, he said. In his view, this decision encourages the Government to carry on the reforms before accession talks begin. "Mr. Prime Minister we are with you to the very end," Ambassador Fouere said.