Date: 2019-01-21Category: Not ApplicableState: Union GovernmentCountry: Europe
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]
**Policy Summary:**
On December 4, 2018, the Stabilisation and Association Council adopted Decision No 1/2018, concerning the transition to the second stage of the Association between the European Communities and their Member States, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. This decision, made pursuant to Article 53 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, marks the commencement of the second stage of the association, as outlined in Article 51 of the Agreement, which established a transitional period of a maximum of 10 years divided into two stages, the first of which began on April 1, 2004. The Council's decision was based on an evaluation of the progress made by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in fulfilling its obligations under the Agreement, determining that the necessary measures for compliance with the second stage had been taken. The decision entered into force on the date of its adoption. The legal basis for this decision is the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the parties, specifically Article 53. The decision was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on January 21, 2019.
Key Entities Referenced
European Union: A political and economic union of member states located primarily in Europe.
Stabilisation and Association Council: A council established by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement to oversee the agreement's implementation.
former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: The former name of North Macedonia, a country in Southeast Europe.
Stabilisation and Association Agreement: An agreement between the European Communities and their Member States and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
Article 53: Article 53 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, pertaining to the evaluation of progress and the transition to the second phase of the Association.
Brussels: The city where the Decision was adopted.
European Communities: The three institutions (European Coal and Steel Community, European Atomic Energy Community, and European Economic Community) that later merged to form the European Union.
21.1.2019 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 18/51
ACTS ADOPTED BY BODIES CREATED BY
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
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.L 18/52 EN Official Journal of the European Union 21.1.201921.1.2019 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 18/53L 18/54 EN Official Journal of the European Union 21.1.2019