Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2013)779 - Signing and provisional application of a Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Macedonia to take account of the accession of Croatia to the EU

Please note

This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.

dossier COM(2013)779 - Signing and provisional application of a Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Macedonia to take ...
source COM(2013)779 EN
date 11-11-2013
On 24 September 2012 the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations, on behalf of the European Union and its Member States and the Republic of Croatia, with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, in order to conclude a Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union.

These negotiations started on 18 December 2012, following prior technical consultations with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the issue. Further negotiating rounds took place on 25 January and 10 April 1013. The Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia confirmed its agreement with the protocol on 25 October 2013. The Protocol is updated to reflect the 2013 EU Customs Tariff and the gradual abolition of duties under the SAA. The text of the Protocol is attached.

The Commission proposes that the Council decides on the signature and provisional application of the Protocol on behalf of the European Union and concludes the Protocol on the behalf of the European Union and its Member States. For the conclusion of a Protocol on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, the Commission proposes that the Council gives its approval, pursuant to the second paragraph of Article 101 of the Treaty establishing the EAEC.

The attached proposal is for a Council Decision on the signature and provisional application of the Protocol. The Commission proposes that the Council:

– decides on the signature and provisional application of the Protocol on behalf of the European Union;