The U.S. State Department congratulated Macedonia and the Macedonian citizens on the successful elections, and it called on the Government to maintain this atmosphere in the second round of the elections as well. The Czech Presidency of the EU also congratulated Macedonia on the successful and peaceful elections, noting that the domestic and foreign observers and organizations confirmed that the elections fulfilled most of the international standards. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn stressed that, following Sunday's successful elections, Macedonia realistically can expect to receive a recommendation for start of the negotiations for membership in the EU.