DECISION No 1/2018 OF THE STABILISATION AND ASSOCIATION COUNCIL

of 4 December 2018

concerning the transition to the second stage of the Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part, pursuant to Article 5(3) of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement [2019/83]

THE STABILISATION AND ASSOCIATION COUNCIL,

Having regard to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part (1) (the ‘Agreement’), and in particular Article 5(3) thereof,

Whereas:

(1) Article 5(1) of the Agreement provides for a transitional period of a maximum of 10 years divided into two successive stages.

(2) The first stage began on 1 April 2004, which was the date of entry into force of the Agreement.

(3) Article 5(3) of the Agreement further provides that the Stabilisation and Association Council is to evaluate the progress made and to decide about the passage into the second phase and its duration, as well as on any possible changes to be brought about as regards the content of the provisions governing the second stage.

(4) The Parties are determined to comply with the obligations related to the transition to the second stage of the Association.

(5) The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has taken the measures necessary to ensure compliance with all of the obligations resulting from the transition to the second stage,

Has ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The transition to the second stage of the Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part, pursuant to Article 5(3) of the Agreement, hereby takes effect.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Brussels, 4 December 2018.

For the Stabilisation and Association Council

The President

(1)

OJ L 84, 20.3.2004, p. 13

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