The European Commission Progress Report has been most positive thus far, whereas the offered framework for settlement of the name issue in the early stage of the accession negotiations represents an additional impulse with regards to Euro-integration, which we must utilize, said Vice Premier for European Affairs Teuta Arifi at Friday's press conference.

"The framework put forward by Commissioner Fule is in the spirit of the EC's creative approach, aimed at maintaining the focus on Euro-integration. This is a very important move and we should use to the maximum this positive atmosphere and the support coming from our EU partners in the reform agenda. Moreover, we should build open positive relations with all neighbors. This proposal is EC's additional impulse for our country, believing that our constructive approach in the negotiations would be maintained", said Arifi.

The Vice Premier also referred to the memorandum of understanding proposed by Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos.

"I believe a positive atmosphere should surround the memorandum. The Balkans needs positive debates over the EU, and Union member-states from the area have to support the enlargement process", added Arifi.

The Secretariat for European Affairs has already analyzed every chapter of the progress report, for the purpose of making an overview of achieved results and recommendations for further improvement.

"Analyses have shown this is a very positive report that notes significant results and achievement of commitments within the Euro-integration process. This success results from the maximum engagement of institutions, NGO sector and our partners from the EC", stressed Arifi.

Pertaining to administration reforms, she said Macedonia has always been aware of the issue's complexity, which is also debated within the High Level Accession Dialogue.

"It has been addressed through the building of a more efficient legal framework for public administration, with expectations that the assessment will largely improve next year", emphasized the Vice Premier.

Arifi also added that the interethnic relations have been realistically noted.

"It is especially important to take into regard EU's remarks that we should follow the lines of the Ohrid Framework Agreement as a guarantee of internal stability and cohesion", she said.

According to Arifi, EU has always demonstrated constructiveness and understanding for the enlargement process.

"The Commission and the EU as a whole have been increasingly engaged in finding a path for all SEE countries, whereas talks with Greece remain under UN auspices", underlined Vice Premier Arifi.