Developments around the law on state exam reached the European Commission, which in a written response to META indicated that it is “familiar with the plans for introduction of changes in education.”
Through its press service, the European Commission informs that Brussels “gives great importance to the continuous improvement of standards, but it is important these changes are subjected to extensive debate and consultation.”
“We encourage the Government to consult widely with all concerned parties on proposed amendments,” reads the response of the European Commission.
The conclusions of Macedonia, which were reported by META yesterday, were confirmed today in Brussels.
– The more the authorities in Skopje will respect the standards, the more progress we will see (towards EU accession). If there are specific issues, such as the case with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia about the independence of the judiciary and freedom of the media, it is clear that these are concerning issues on which we need to work harder together and to deepen our discussions, because these are some of fundamental standards that authorities in Skopje should respect … Reading the paragraph dedicated to Macedonia, yes, there is more than only the name issue – stated Italian Foreign Minister Sandro Gozi for META.
In the final conclusions for 2014, the foreign ministers expressed “serious concern” about the independence of the judiciary and freedom of media in Macedonia and informed that the failure to meet the conditions “harmed” the sustainability of reforms.
