In his speech he pointed out that from a front-runner in EU integration among applicant countries, Macedonia has fallen in a continuous deep political crisis during Gruevski’s ruling. In his words, the functioning of state institutions raises serious concerns, and the government fails to demonstrate commitment to the fundamental democratic values and standards enshrined in the EU enlargement process.

Stanishev also expressed disappointment that the European institutions have long underestimated the situation in the country and have overlooked the development of an authoritarian regime in a candidate country. In his view, the present government uses all state institutions and services to its advantage, supresses business, media and the judiciary. ‘The EU cannot solve all internal problems of the country, but bears the responsibility to use all means and tools at its disposal to support Macedonian citizens in their strive for justice and democracy’, the socialist MEP said.

The socialist leader reminded that he had attended the civil rally in Skopje last Sunday not to teach or preach but to listen to the voices of the people. He was glad to see people of different political views and ethnic origin, civil society representatives and NGOs standing up together for their rights and freedoms and for democracy in the country. Stanishev concluded by quoting a student from the rally saying: ‘It’s not about who is in power and who is in opposition, but about the very functioning of our state’.

In his speech, Stanishev stressed the important role of young people in politics, stating that “We cannot go forward while looking backwards. We must face the challenges by offering bold solutions for changing social and economic environment in Europe. Young people often deny politics, but it needs them. They are the most affected by the unprecedented crisis provoked by the neoliberal model in Europe. The result of it in some countries is over 50% of youth unemployment. We run the risk of a lost generation, which will fail to realize on the labour market. Their voice must be heard. The Youth Guarantee was introduced as a result of our efforts. Now it is necessary to increase the funds in it and to extend its reach to all young people under the age of 30, in order to give them a better start on the labour market”.

Stanishev commented on the challenges facing the social democrats in Europe. In his words, after the neoliberal model’s crash, it is time for a strong social and investment policy, to which the socialists must be the driving force.

“For years the conservative parties claimed that the market is fair and can regulate itself. It is clear to all that this is not the case, and more policies aimed towards the people are needed. Here comes the role of the socialists, as we have always argued for more investments in new jobs. The Juncker investment plan is a fact thanks to us. It is important now to stand up for more investment in education and innovation, access to finance for the small and medium sized enterprises, keeping the regional principle, in order for the plan to have a macroeconomic effect, which is necessary to overcome the crisis” – said the MEP.

The future commissioners of the socialist family received key positions, such as economy, tax policy, regional development, international cooperation, Health and Transport and they will be guarantee for the return of Europe to the path of growth after years of stagnation. The two key Vice-Presidents – the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and the First Vice-President of the European Commission, who will be responsible for the rule of law, including for the Mechanism for Cooperation and Verification for Bulgaria and Romania, are from the socialist family and will observe the implementation of the proposed progressive measures in the Juncker program. The MEP stressed out that the President of the Commission received the support of the Group of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, because of the specific commitments to increase investments in new jobs, competitiveness, reindustrialization and creating favourable environment for the small and medium-sized enterprises. Stanishev expressed his confidence that the proven expertise of the socialist Commissioners will help to stabilize the European Economy.