I am happy that the visit of Commissioner Stefan Fule, Rapporteur Richard Howitt and Jerzy Buzek, former Chairman of the European Parliament, proved successful in seeking out a solution to the political crisis. Macedonian political leaders demonstrated courage and responsibility in finding a solution in the best interest of the country. I hope the local elections will be a strong and transparent contest that will go peacefully. This is going to be a significant element of the spring report, says Lucinda Creighton, Irish Minister for European Affairs, and Chair-in-Office of the EU, in her interview with Dnevnik.

Do you expect Macedonia to be issued a positive report from the European Commission, which is going to decide in June whether the country can launch membership negotiations?

Crucial is that there are no doubts about the dedication of all Macedonian leaders to the European integration as a goal. In order to attain this goal, progress has been made in the past few months. Simultaneously with the implementation of the agreement between the government and the opposition, work on the priorities listed in the December Conclusions of the European Council should urgently continue. I can’t wait to see the spring report of the European Commission evaluating the progress in reforms and good-neighborly relations. Ireland will be content if the Council decides to open negotiations with the Republic of Macedonia.