Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski welcomed on behalf of the Macedonian Government and citizens, the European Commission's decision to propose lifting of the visa regime for Macedonia. "This is great success for our citizens. This is success of the Republic of Macedonia. This is success of the European idea in the Republic of Macedonia," Gruevski stressed at the government press conference on Wednesday.

The Macedonian Assembly parliamentarians also welcomed EC's decision, stressing that this should be encouragement for completion of all remaining obligations so that Macedonia can receive a date for start of the negotiations for membership in the EU.

EU Ambassador to Macedonia Erwan Fouere and Macedonian Interior Minister Gordana Jankuloska also welcomed this decision, assessing it as recognition of the Macedonian authorities' efforts and an encouragement for them to continue the reforms so that Macedonia can receive a date for start of the accession negotiations.