The EU and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia sign agreement to enhance crisis management cooperation

Brussels, 29-10-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The Executive Secretary General of the European External Action Service, Pierre Vimont, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Nikola Poposki, signed today a Framework Agreement for the participation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in EU crisis management operations.

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is already a partner in the area of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), having signed an “ad hoc” instrument for its participation in the EU military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR Althea) on 3 July 2006. It contributed important assets in the past in the form of helicopters and medical support, and continues contributing troops to the operation while participating in an EU Battlegroup in the second half of 2012.

The Agreement sets down a legal framework governing any future participation by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in the full range of EU-led operations and missions. This new instrument enables smooth involvement in on-going and future EU crisis management efforts in different theatres.

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FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 – +32 2 299 97 80 – Michael.Mann@eeas.europa.eu
Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 – +32 2 298 65 70 – Maja.Kocijancic@ec.europa.eu
Sebastien Brabant +32 460 75 09 98 – Sebastien.Brabant@ec.europa.eu
COMM-SPP-HRVP-ASHTO1@ec.europa.eu
www.eeas.europa.eu