Opening membership negotiations between Macedonia and the EU is going to create a favorable climate for finding a mutually acceptable solution to the name issue soon, said, among other things, EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule in Athens during a debate entitled “EU Enlargement: The European Agenda as a Driving Force of Reforms.”

The event at which Fule talked was organized by the EU Office in Athens and the Greek Foundation ELIAMEP. In his address at this event, Commissioner Fule was far less reserved than at his meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, saying that Athens is urged to give a green light to opening membership negotiations between Macedonia and the EU.

“We know how sensitive the name issue is and how important it is for you, for the region and for the EU if the country continues the reforms and the effort to overcome nationalistic tendencies. With our active support through the High Level Accession Dialogue, the country has been provided with a new impetus in implementing EU-related reforms. The Commission has recommended opening membership negotiations, which is going to create a win-win situation – it is going to encourage reforms and consolidate interethnic relations. In addition, it is going to create a favorable climate for immediately seeking out a mutually acceptable solution to the name issue. It is important to overcome the name issue. We support the seeking out of a solution and are willing to provide aid,” Commissioner Fule said.