Council of the European Union

Erwan Fouéré, EU Special Representative for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

In 2001, the cohesion of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was threatened by conflict. The EU, together with its international partners, acted early to prevent the crisis from escalating. A European Union Special Representative was appointed to help achieve a peaceful settlement, in the form of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, and to oversee its implementation.

I was appointed on 1 November 2005 as EU Special Representative and at the same time as Head of the Commission Delegation with the role of contributing to improved inter-ethnic relations and lasting stabilisation and of ensuring the smooth transition from post-conflict to pre-EU accession.

My two mandates – as EUSR and Head of the Commission Delegation – are distinct, but complementary. I keep in close and continuous contact with the political players in the country, offering advice and facilitating the political processes. I am currently focusing on fostering a climate of trust and dialogue conducive to implementing the reforms which are necessary to progress towards the EU. I also closely follow inter-ethnic issues and the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. While there has been remarkable progress in this regard since 2001, more still needs to be done. As Head of the Commission Delegation, I also monitor the country's progress in meeting the criteria for EU membership and the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has come a long way but a lot remains to be done. The road of EU integration is long and difficult, and a lot of committed work will be needed. In order to meet the challenges, the political forces will need to unify their efforts. While the outstanding work can be done by the country alone, I will continue to spare no efforts to advise and assist.