Following the series of mutual sharp criticism, the Government and EU Ambassador to Macedonia Erwan Fouere toned down their statements yesterday. EU Ambassador Fouere underlined yesterday that the Government knows well that membership in the European Union depends on the recommendations of the European Commission and on fulfillment of the benchmarks.

“It is very important to us that the Government accepts the November report and everything in this report – both the progress made and the remarks – so that the whole energy could be focused on the content of the report,” Fouere stated.

Ivica Bocevski, deputy prime minister responsible for EU integration, said that the Government expects a realistic report from the European Commission.