Strasbourg, 6 October 2022 (MIA) - The 20th EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting ended Thursday in Strasbourg, the first one since North Macedonia has launched negotiations with the EU. Officials of European institutions, MEPs and Macedonian lawmakers have insisted that a new phase in the relations between the EU and North Macedonia has begun calling on the country to remain committed to reforms and a consensus to be reached over the Euro-Atlantic processes, MIA’s Strasbourg correspondent reports. Recommendations were adopted after the Macedonian lawmakers and members of the European Parliament at the second session of the 20th EU-North Macedonia JPC exchanged views on a wide range of topics, including the ongoing accession-related reforms, the rule of law and fight against organised crime and corruption, the energy crisis, environment, situation in the media and civil society, and regional cooperation and relations with neighbouring countries, and on a report for the Jean Monnet dialogue. In the recommendations, the 20th JPC takes into account previous conclusions of the Council, the European Parliament and the European Parliament, especially the Council's approval of the Negotiating Framework for North Macedonia on July 18, 2022 and the holding of the first Intergovernmental Conference on July 19, 2022. Also, it praises the Conclusions adopted by the Assembly of North Macedonia on 16 July, paving the way for the start of the accession talks, as a crucial step on the country’s EU accession path; recognises the complexities considered in this compromise, which acknowledges and respects Macedonian cultural identity and guarantees the recognition of the Macedonian language. The JPC "strongly welcomes the long overdue approval of the Negotiating Framework by the Council on 18 July, which marked the start of the accession negotiation process with North Macedonia, and the holding of the first Intergovernmental Conference on 19 July; stresses that this marks the beginning of a new phase in the accession process for North Macedonia and the implementation of the unanimous decision taken by the European Council in March 2020 to open accession negotiations." The JPC "welcomes the start of the screening which is the first step in the accession negotiation process; stresses that the screening is not only a technical exercise as it addresses matters and concerns which are close to the daily life of citizens; takes note of the Decision of the Government for Establishment of a Negotiation Structure for Accession of the country in the EU to consolidate the coordinative mechanism for the accession process in accordance with the new enlargement methodology; in this regard; stresses the importance to strengthen the transparency, accountability and inclusiveness of the process; highlights the role of the Parliament in ensuring a broad outreach to citizens in this regard; encourages the EU to continue to accelerate the pace of the accession negotiation process for North Macedonia, based on fair and rigorous conditionality and the merit-based principle; points to the importance of respect of this principle to ensure equal treatment in the accession process." In the recommendations, the JPC reiterates its firm belief that the EU integration process possesses a significant transformative power and should deliver on the goals of democratic consolidation, institutional integrity, long-term growth and socio-economic cohesion, which should be at the forefront of all EU Member States’ decisions, to prevent further negative influence by third parties jeopardising the European concept; underlines, in that respect, that the start of the accession negotiations sends an important signal for the Western Balkans and beyond, confirming that they represent a geopolitical priority for the EU; expresses its strong belief that Europe is not complete without the Western Balkans. Furthermore, JPC reiterates the position that the country continues to demonstrate the best democratic transition record across the Western Balkans, despite numerous challenges; commends the continuing reforms bringing about tangible results on the fundamentals, such as the rule of law, and the fight against corruption and organised crime, including the Europe at Home agenda and the Action Plan on the fight against corruption; commends the country’s ongoing efforts to further advance the democratic process and deliver results in key policy areas. The efforts made to ensure the implementation of the legal framework for the protection of fundamental rights and the proper functioning of institutions in charge of the prevention of and protection against discrimination, in line with European standards are welcomed. The JPC notes the ongoing improvements in ensuring women’s rights and gender-responsive policies, including through the implementation of the Istanbul Convention and the consequent harmonisation of the legal and institutional framework, as well as the work of various Inter-Party Parliamentary Groups; notes with concern the rise of misinformation, discriminatory and hate speech against LGBTI+ persons and human rights defenders in the political discourse, online media and social media platforms. The JPC recognises that some progress was achieved in the implementation of the judicial reform strategy, including in terms of further addressing the recommendations of the Venice Commission and the Senior Experts’ Group on systemic Rule of Law issues; reiterates its calls for the implementation of the reform in view of institutional independence, funding, quality, coordination and transparency of the judiciary. The lawmakers from the two parliaments welcome North Macedonia’s commitment to prevent all forms of corruption and to sanction corrupt behaviour; finds, in that respect, encouraging the progress achieved in the fight against corruption and organised crime, including at a high level; encourages the authorities to continue with the full implementation of the recommendations of the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO); welcomes efforts to introduce anti-corruption education in schools. North Macedonia’s stable inter-ethnic relations and cooperation are commended as the JPC also praises the continuous implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, which represents the framework underlying the multi-ethnic society; welcomes the attention given to the protection of the rights of the smaller ethnic communities and calls on all stakeholders to continue reinforcing inter-ethnic stability and cooperation. According to the JPC, there’s positive climate North Macedonia for the work of civil society organisations. "It also commends, furthermore, the continuing and significant contribution of civil society organisations to the reform and decision-making processes, and to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, notably of the most vulnerable members of society; encourages North Macedonia to continue on its present path to avoid any potential backsliding." In the recommendations, the JPC welcomes the media climate in North Macedonia as being open for critical reporting, and protecting freedom of expression and pluralistic viewpoints; recalls the necessity to revise the media legal framework in accordance with the EU acquis and to reform the public broadcaster, ensuring its independence and financial sustainability; calls for continued fight against disinformation and hate speech in the media; welcomes the efforts made to strengthen media literacy, including the promotion of the independent investigative journalism and non-biased fact-checking. The JPC "stresses the utmost importance, particularly under the current circumstances, of engaged and coordinated actions in contributing to a more resilient and efficient energy system and in fostering sustainable development by diversifying energy sources; stresses that further progress should be made in the field of environment and climate change, beyond updated climate pledges and the endorsement of the Green Agenda, with the aim of promoting and implementing policies on the use of alternative sources of energy production; emphasises the need for further steps to improve air quality, the protection of water and biodiversity, as well as the management of regional waste." In the recommendations, the JPC recognises the commitment of the Assembly of North Macedonia to the EU reform agenda and the role of the opposition parties in parliamentary work, including the Assembly’s oversight function of the executive; while fully acknowledging the legitimate diversity of political views, positions and opinions, encourages all political actors to reduce parliamentary polarisation and calls on all political forces to engage in peaceful dialogue to work for the EU future of their country; reminds that the Assembly should remain the principal forum of political debate. It calls for continuation of the Jean Monnet Dialogue and the implementation of the agreements made during the third round of the Dialogue held in early 2020; in particular, calls for intensified work of the Jean Monnet Working Group with a view of agreeing on the amendments to the Rules of Procedure; furthermore, as soon as the amendments to the Rules of Procedures have been agreed on and adopted, calls for organising the fourth round of the Jean Monnet Dialogue. Furthermore, the JPC welcomes the substantial financial assistance close to EUR 240 million provided by the European Union for various socio-economic recovery measures, including macro-financial assistance, support to micro and small companies and persons at risk of unemployment, and in the form of medical equipment, vaccine purchases and vaccine grants during the COVID-19 pandemic; encourages the authorities of North Macedonia to maximise the full benefits of the EU financial assistance, including through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance and the Economic and Investment Plan, and to pursue their endeavours in strengthening administrative capacity at all levels of government; underlines the belief that political and economic incentives for accession countries should not substitute but rather facilitate the final goal of fully-fledged EU membership; "The JPC welcomes the meetings between North Macedonia and Bulgaria, including those on expert level, and stresses the importance to address any cultural-historical discussions separately from North Macedonia’s accession process; reiterates its view that the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation needs to be implemented consistently and in good faith by all sides." In the recommendations, North Macedonia’s constructive role in developing and cultivating regional cooperation and its active role in regional initiatives is praised as it is also underlined, particularly, the continued implementation of the Prespa Agreement with Greece by all parties. The JPC "welcomes North Macedonia’s continued commitment to Euro-Atlantic security and its contribution to the EU-led crisis management missions and activities, as well as its continued full alignment with the EU foreign, security and defence policy, including on restrictive measures against Russia; commends the country’s efforts to provide assistance to Ukraine. The JPC's main goal is to review all aspects of the relations between the EU and North Macedonia, particularly the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Formally, the JPC contributes to improving the relations and cooperation of Parliament with the European Parliament.