Macedonia and the European Union

[Tomche Makedonche]

Originally Posted by vicsinad

I'll bring up whoever I want to bring up in order to peddle whatever I want to peddle. But if you give me a bike, then I'll pedal that, too.

Yeah I get it Vic, it’s OK for you to say whatever you want, however you want, but it’s not OK for others to do that if you don’t agree with what they say. After all, you are the Defender of Macedonians - Goce Delchev reincarnate – who other than you can be the authority on what is OK to say and who can say it.

Originally Posted by vicsinad

So you can't have this discussion without taking it super personally, huh? You're completely misinterpreting what was said, as addressed in Gocka's post and my previous post. I simply contested how you're coming to a conclusion and then suggested that living afar leaves us removed from the effects or consequences of what goes on there and that there are some things we say and advocate for, and how we say them and advocate for them, that should require special consideration, being that we are not there. You don't have to agree with it, but don't take it too personally.

Well I can’t help it, I’m sensitive like all those supposedly poor retarded first graders with diseases in their heads that you and Gocka are tasked to defend against the kind of diaspora cowards that Goce Delchev despised. Again, it’s a pity you don’t apply that philosophy universally or equally to all members of the forum, but yeah your right, living a far leaves us removed from the effects and consequences of what goes on there, that’s why I’ve never had to explain why Macedonia is referred to as FYROM, that’s why I’ve never had to explain why the Macedonian flag I wave is not the same as the one RoMacedonians wave… do you know what, I should just shut up and butt out because I’m being the type of Macedonian coward that Goce Delchev despised.

Originally Posted by vicsinad

It's an unfair and an inaccurate assessment. It has absolutely nothing to do with absolutes (I philosophically believe absolute morality doesn't exist, which is something different). And quite the contrary, attacking Macedonians because of a categorization that is unfair and inaccurate is what promotes political principles, stubbornness and hate over a solution; further, attacking their supposed inaction based on the standard you have set ignores a multitude of complexities and is unproductive.

It’s not to a standard that I have set, it’s to a standard that will lead to the desired result. If SDS supporters remaining silent or whispering internally resulted in Zajko dropping the Tirana platform, then obviously that’s the standard that would be needed. You’re saying that’s possibly happening right now, but Zajko hasn’t changed his intended course of action, clearly that isn’t the standard that will produce the desired result. Therefore if they actually want to stop the implementation of the Tirana Platform, they need to escalate their actions to a standard that will produce the desired result. That is if they actually are against the implementation of the Tirana Platform and consider it a priority over other matters.

Originally Posted by vicsinad

The burden falls on both parties and supporters because the issue really is not the Tirana Platform but Albanianization in general. The DPNE has had years -- years -- to do something about it. In respect to Albanization in all it forms, both parties can be said to be working toward the detriment of the Macedonian people, and thus the burden falls on both parties.

Semantics again, but yes you are correct in your historical analysis, but people can do little about what happened in the past, the only thing they can do anything about is what happens today. Today, currently DPNE have hypocritically created a “Civil” movement protesting against it. SDS is not only not opposing it, but planning on implementing it. Who is not doing their part today?, I mean you do realise that if SDS did not agree to the platform, DPNE could not have hypocritically capitalised on the situation and “hijacked” a possible anti-Albanisation movement right?, or is that fact something you remain purposely oblivious to?

Originally Posted by vicsinad

Saying that this could be the last opportunity could be right, or it could be wrong. Perhaps the last opportunity may have already passed, or maybe it's light years away. But if it is the last opportunity for Macedonians to stand up against Albanization, I find it even more peculiar that you would be so quick to judge half of Macedonians as being supportive of the Tirana Platform, and be vocally adamant about it, when in reality it is painfully obvious that the politics of the situation regarding the Tirana Platform will prevent Macedonians unifying under this guise.

Again I’m not judging, I’m stating a fact based on the repercussions of their current action or inaction and notifying them of their accountability for it. You’re defending the reasons for that action or inaction, knowing full well the repercussions.

The intent behind my actions, whether fair or unfair, is to hopefully force (who ever might come across it) a deliberation of their priorities if they really wish to oppose the implementation of the Tirana Platform (or rather the further Albanisation of their country) whilst being aware of their accountability for their choice.

The intent behind your actions (although derived from your love of your people and natural inclination to protect and defend RoMacedonians) is unfortunately to vindicate their sense of unaccountability based on the justifications of their priorities which consequently could allow the Tirana Platform to be implemented.

Originally Posted by vicsinad

Something else is needed, something that counters both Albanianization as well as the social ills that plague government and society, and something that is just as directed at the Macedonian parties' leaders as it is against Albania and ethnic Albanians in Macedonia.

So what do you propose? (I’m actually yet to hear any alternate suggestions from you throughout this discussion), oh yeah we shouldn’t propose anything cause that would make us the kind of Macedonians Delchev despised, we should only offer support and keep our noses in our own neck of the woods.

Originally Posted by vicsinad

I understand your logic and your points, for the most part. But I don't understand how you think this is the only way to go about trying to address the situation, and I certainly don't understand how you think this could produce results in even a short time, given the entire political context. You want the Macedonians to drop the political context behind it all for the time being, but that's a virtual impossibility because the political context exists. You have to account for that in any solution, because in the current state of things, that is not changing. It's there and it must be factored.

I don’t want them to do anything. They are free to do what they want. If they want to speak Albanian, let them. If they want to prioritise hate over love. Let them. If they want to continue to prioritise the individual above the family, let them. As they make their choices, I will make mine. I’m just laying out the consequences of their choices and how they will be accountable for it. People like you will continue to defend them regardless of the repercussions of the choices they make.

Originally Posted by vicsinad

This just shows me a few things I assumed already: Most Macedonians, even those who support SDS, don't support the Tirana platform; DPNE is simply using the platform and protests to gain votes at another election; and SDS doesn't want to risk going to the polls so that both the DUI and DPNE don't get more votes and don't get back in power.

The Tirana Platform cannot be used a unifying cry. Instead, it is being used -- and will continued to be used -- to drum up more support for DPNE.

Again, what is worrying is that you appear to be implying that Macedonians should remain divided and let the Tirana platform be implemented, due to the political context of the situation.

[Bill77]

EU In 2016 on Macedonian elections "VMRO cannot organise elections without SDSM"........




EU in 2017 on Albanian elections

we are in a situation where the electoral process for the general elections on 18 June has been set*in motion.*The elections*will*take place without the participation of the main opposition parties........

It was the deliberate choice by the current opposition not to run for elections.......
the democratic process must continue, even if some decide to stay behind.
Democracy and democratic standards shall not be*held back*by boycotting institutions and democratic elections........

https://europeanwesternbalkans.com/2...-18-elections/

[Albo]

Bit of a different situation

Albania: How not to lose an election? Refuse to take part…

http://www.euractiv.com/section/elec...-to-take-part/

[Tomche Makedonche]

https://www.euractiv.com/section/enl...0-study-finds/

Most EU hopefuls might not be ready to join before 2050, study finds

A new study looking into the practical, legal and technical aspects of further EU expansion has concluded that only one country, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, could meet the criteria for joining the bloc before 2023.

Serbia, currently touted as the frontrunner together with the tiny coastal republic of Montenegro, would only manage to fully comply with EU law in the mid-2030s, and the same goes for Turkey, according to the Forecasting Candidate Status study, written by Professor Tina Freyburg of the University of St Gallen and Tobias Böhmelt from the University of Essex.

Further enlargement of the EU during the 2014-2019 mandate of Jean-Claude Juncker’s Commission has been ruled out but the question of who might join the bloc next remains an interesting debate, even though there is little real appetite for bloc’s further expansion.

The list of countries still vying for EU membership includes official candidates Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey, and EU hopefuls Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.

The study has considered how likely it is that five of those candidate countries would join the EU before 2050, based on previous accession benchmarks used during the 2004 big-bang enlargement.

EU accession is only possible when candidate countries meet a comprehensive list of criteria and when they have implemented EU law, known as the acquis, into their own national legislation. This includes everything from judicial reform to transport and energy policy.

The study said Macedonia is the only country likely to meet the benchmarks before 2023, while Serbia and Turkey would only manage to fully comply with EU law in the mid-2030s.

Turkey’s continued membership bid is the most controversial, particularly in light of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s crackdown on opposition forces following the failed coup attempt last year.

Member states and European lawmakers have made high-profile calls on the EU to suspend or even scrap Turkey’s bid, which Ankara formally launched in 1987.

The situation is made significantly more delicate by Brussels’ reliance on Ankara to enforce the refugee deal, which, in addition to factors like Brexit and rising populism, means the appetite for EU expansion has, arguably, never been lower.

Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina might not be in a position to meet the criteria on EU accession before 2050, which the study uses as evidence to show that political ambitions in those countries might outweigh the reality of the situation.

Professor Freyburg emphasises that her work completely excludes the political dimension of the issue, including the European Commission’s moratorium on enlargement, instability in Turkey and the political uncertainty in countries like Bosnia, or the fact that Macedonia’s progress is blocked by Greece because of a 20-year old name dispute.

The study did not include Kosovo or Montenegro in its predictions, saying there is a lack of sufficient data to make a worthwhile estimate of accession prospects for either country. Additionally, Kosovo is still not recognised by five EU member states so its membership is currently a moot point.

However, Freyburg told EURACTIV.com that Montenegro, which only became independent from Serbia in 2006, “possesses characteristics comparable to Macedonia, which might make their future levels of compliance with EU law comparable as well”.

Montenegro’s prospects of successful accession are often hailed in Brussels as the most promising. Although some factors like a border dispute with Kosovo continue, its barriers to EU membership are less significant than other candidates.

Freyburg added that “Montenegro might reasonably be seen as being among the first potential next member states” but warned that the political willingness of the Montenegrin government and vetoes by other member states are outside the control of the study.

It concluded that the results appear to lower EU enlargement expectations and that the findings might even “paint a ‘too optimistic’ picture and the actual future compliance levels […] could well be even weaker than suggested”.

The study also highlighted that enlargement is most often driven by candidate country action and progress, rather than an “expansionist” Brussels policy. It added that EU concerns about increased membership jeopardising a “deepening of the European institutions” are non-technical barriers that prospective members must contend with.

The latest addition to the EU is Croatia, which formally joined the bloc in 2013. It is yet to join Schengen or the eurozone but in his 2017 State of the Union address, Jean-Claude Juncker called on Croatia to be admitted to the former as soon as it meets all the relevant criteria.

Last week, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced that he is hopeful his country will join the eurozone within seven to eight years time.

[mklion]

The reality is the EU doesn't want the majority of the Balkan countries to join the EU. In Macedonia's case Greece is just doing the dirty work for the EU by giving a reason for them not to accept us into the Bloc.

For some reason, whenever Macedonia has some issue they always run to some other country for support and they always have someone else to blame when something goes wrong.

Macedonia needs to focus on itself and stop waiting for the US or the EU to save it.

[Starling]

Funny how they were so keen on having the Balkans when they were planning on how to take apart the Ottoman empire.

[maco2envy]

It really narrows down to how states will benefit the union and not vice versa. Romania and Bulgaria were mainly accepted for their black sea access. Out of the entirety of the western balkans I can only see Serbia being an asset to the EU, although they won't be allowed until Kosovo is recognised.

[Tomche Makedonche]

http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/arti...ans-02-06-2018

EU’s New Balkans Enlargement Strategy Demands Reforms

The European Commission’s new enlargement strategy offers support for Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia - but insists they must step up reforms and fully embrace EU values if they hope to join

The European Commission launched its new enlargement strategy for the Western Balkans on Tuesday, offering help for all six EU aspirant states but insisting that all the membership hopefuls implement reforms and make a clear commitment to the “fundamental values” of the European bloc in return.

“All the Western Balkan countries must now urgently redouble their efforts, address vital reforms and complete their political, economic and social transformation,” the strategy document says.

It says that the six countries have “a historic window of opportunity to firmly and unequivocally bind their future to the European Union”.

But it also makes it clear that the EU sees the offer of potential membership as a “powerful tool to promote democracy, the rule of law and the respect for fundamental rights” in the Balkans.

“Joining the EU is far more than a technical process. It is a generational choice, based on fundamental values, which each country must embrace more actively, from their foreign and regional policies right down to what children are taught at school,” it says.

The strategy singles out Montenegro and Serbia as the current front-runners in the enlargement process.

“With strong political will, the delivery of real and sustained reforms, and definitive solutions to disputes with neighbours, they could potentially be ready for membership in a 2025 perspective,” it says.

However, it adds that this perspective is “extremely ambitious” and will depend on each country’s progress.

Albania and Macedonia are making significant progress and the Commission is ready to prepare recommendations to open accession negotiations if conditions are fulfilled, the strategy says.

It also says it will start considering Bosnia and Herzegovina’s membership application after it gets answers to its questions from Sarajevo.

“With sustained effort and engagement, Bosnia and Herzegovina could become a candidate for accession,” it suggests.

The strategy suggests Kosovo could progress by implementing its Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU and then “advance on its European path once objective circumstances allow.

However, it stresses that a comprehensive, legally binding normalisation agreement between Belgrade and Pristina is “urgent and crucial so that Serbia and Kosovo can advance on their respective European paths”.

The strategy includes six flagship initiatives ranging from initiatives to strengthen the rule of law, reinforced cooperation on security and migration through joint investigating teams and the European border and coast guards, expanding the EU Energy Union to the Western Balkans, and lowering roaming charges and rolling out broadband in the region.

“I will travel to each of the countries of the Western Balkans at the end of this month with a clear message: keep reforming and we will keep supporting your European future,” said the president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker.

The strategy also calls for regional cooperation, good neighbourly relations and reconciliation, noting that the process of securing justice for the victims of the wars of the 1990s is incomplete.

“There is no place in the EU for inflammatory rhetoric, let alone for glorification of war criminals from any side,” it says, adding that the leaders of the region must condemn statements or actions which fuel ethnic tension.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said that the Western Balkans shares the same history, cultural heritage, opportunities and challenges as the rest of Europe.

“This strategy gives all of us a shared, clear, unequivocal, credible and concrete perspective for each and every one of our six partners' EU integration,” she said at the presentation of the strategy

[Tomche Makedonche]

According to the EU, Macedonia isn't even a frontrunner for membership, rather Serbia and Montenegro hold that title, with the hopes of joining by 2025... a date which is apparently extremely ambitious...

Yep, Macedonians, listen to your politicians, if you change your name you will all get into the EU, like instantly...

[mklion]

THE EU DOES NOT WANT MACEDONIA IN IT. We became a candidate country in 2005. 2025 is 20 years later. Since when did we stop being a front runner ?