''I am convinced that your future lies within the European family. Together we want to make it sure that real, tangible and visible progress can be achieved on the path towards European integration.

I want to commend Prime Minister Gruevski for his personal commitment to the High Level Accession Dialogue. Your personal engagement, Prime Minister, is precious and a key factor for success. Your initiative to strengthen freedom of expression by decriminalising defamation is a good example. I can assure you that I am committed to supporting your reform efforts. What we are starting today is about comprehensive process, active political dialogue between us and also about inclusive framework for reforms. I stress again that these efforts are aimed to bring benefits to all people of your country.

Today is a new opportunity to focus on a number of priorities that can help the social and economic development of the country. We have identified the rule of law, the reform of public administration, freedom of expression, electoral reform and strengthening the market economy as key elements. By moving closer to European standards in these areas, all communities and all citizens will benefit.

We want to focus on action and we want to agree on what are the key measures to take and how the European Commission can help. We want to work together with you in order to make membership a reality. I look forward to a good start today and to the continuation of our high level dialogue.''

Source: Reference:  MEMO/12/187    Date:  15/03/2012