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.

During a committee hearing on Monday Stanishev informed his colleagues that he has renounced his own immunity twice in two consecutive mandates in his capacity as a member of the Bulgarian Parliament so that the investigation could proceed. He explained that the General Prosecutor’s Office has offered him a deal to cease the case and pay an administrative fine of 1000 Euro, but he had refused it as he insists on clearing his name and wants the Bulgarian court to have its say on these absurd allegations against him.

Commenting on the decision taken today by the EP, Stanishev said: I requested a fast-track procedure because I do not wish to see the European Parliament turned into arena for national political passions. Surely by doing this we would not contribute for the positive image of our country in the European institutions. It is indeed well known in Bulgaria that the case against me is politically motivated.

In 2009 there was a strong political pressure to launch this investigation against Stanishev, BSP leader at the time. PM Boyko Borissov personally stated at the time: ‘The Prosecutors have a lot of work. If this time all the people involved, starting with the authors, the holders and the ones who are in possession of the documents do not go to jail, the future holds nothing good for this country’.

In 2009 even a special Parliamentary Committee was established, nick-named the “Anti-Stanishev Committee”, which was eventually dissolved as it did not achieve the political objectives it was created for. As nothing else could be found, the case of these 7 “lost” documents was made up. This is barely 0.2% of all the classified information that goes through the hands of the Prime Minister, and there is in fact solid eyewitness testimony that I have returned the documents to the competent services, Stanishev added.

‘The political headline of the time was how detrimental for Bulgaria Stanishev and the 3-party coalition were, which heavily damaged the country both in financial and social aspect. However, time puts everything in its place. Every reasonable Bulgarian citizen can draw his own conclusions. Public debt was brought down from 30% in 2005 to 13% of GDP in 2009. More than 360 000 new jobs were created and the average salaries and pensions sharply increased. This is the ‘damage’ done by my government. Today it is already clear that the 4-party coalition ruling the country now will put the burden of 16 bln Leva of additional debt on the shoulders of the Bulgarian citizens while at the same time they have no idea how to create new jobs or to increase incomes’, Stanishev said.

‘I believe that the Bulgarian court will have its just say on these absurd accusations’, Stanishev concluded.

Stanishev expressed deep concerns of the socialist family regarding the deteriorating political situation in the country. He pointed out that until the government takes the initiative to restore the political dialogue, the mediation of European institutions will not solve the internal issue of Macedonia.

“It is no longer about the dialogue between the parties, it is about upholding the basic democratic standards and principles, which are an integral part of the negotiation process. The attacks against the opposition leader only raise the question whether we can really trust the judicial system, which is already criticized for selective administration of justice under the influence of the ruling party” added the MEP.

“Otherwise, the prospects of starting negotiations for Macedonia’s membership in the EU will recede even more” Stanishev said in his conclusion, who is also deputy chairman of the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee EU-Macedonia

Another important topic discussed during the meeting was the upcoming Serbian chairmanship of OSCE. Stanishev stressed that the main challenge for Serbia in this capacity will be to monitor the implementation of the disarmament agreement struck during the Geneva conference between the US, Russia, Ukraine and the EU, as well as achieving a peaceful political solution to the conflict.

Minister Ivica Dačić elaborated on the internal political situation in Serbia and discussed relations between BSP and the Socialist Party of Serbia. Both expressed their wish for the close cooperation between the parties to continue.

Sergei Stanishev, MEP, welcomed the initiative of the Commission: ‘Vice-President Šefčovič presented a strategy which matches the demands of the Socialists and Democrats in Europe for the establishment of a modern energy policy which is both apt to climate changes and facilitates economic development and energy security. The S&D Group and PES will engage in an active and constructive dialogue with Commission to create a full-fledged Energy Union. This will lead to lower energy prices for citizens and industry, improve the competitiveness of European economy, will provide a solid framework for investments and will contribute to fostering growth and jobs. The Energy Union will make markets more independent from energy supplies from third countries. It is also crucial for the achievement of the EU target for 40% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030 and will take Europe to a more credible leading position during the upcoming negotiations on climate change in Paris in December’.
The framework strategy adopted by the Commission foresees a package of measures for strengthening European energy diplomacy, fostering energy efficiency and the use of renewables, deepening of the internal energy market and increasing the number of transborder electricity interconnections. It also envisages a plan for Europe to become a world leader in research and innovations in the field of energy and climate change.

Socialists believe that the start of accession negotiations can have a positive impact on the country and give an impetus for progress in problematic areas, including unsolved bilateral issues. A decision to set a date for the negotiations to begin, however, would not be a ‘gift’, but will come on the basis of achieved results under clear criteria, Stanishev said.

The report adopted acknowledges the progress achieved so far by Macedonia and yet again shares the Commission’s recommendation to start accession negotiations with the EU, which have been stalled for the past 9 years due to the unresolved name dispute with Greece as well as lack of progress in the field of good neighbourly relations. However, MEPs also express serious concern over the ongoing political polarisation in the country, the judiciary, freedom of speech and media, condemn all forms of extreme nationalism which deepens the lines of division in the society, and so on.

According to Stanishev, despite ongoing negotiations for the signature of a Treaty on good neighbourliness with Bulgaria and the high-level contacts and visits, there is no real political will on the side of the Macedonian government for practical steps for joint celebrations of prominent historical events and characters, objective interpretation of history, etc. The amendments to the draft text proposed by Stanishev put an emphasis on the responsibility of the government to ensure the dialogue with opposition and civil society, especially when adopting new legislation and constitutional changes.

Commenting on the recent political scandal in Macedonia, Sergei Stanishev said: ‘The revelations of the opposition leader Zoran Zaev, SDSM President, for mass phone tapping, pressure exerted on media, control over the judiciary and others question not only the progress of Macedonia towards EU accession but also fundamental democratic principles and values. Carrying out an impartial, independent and objective investigation of all allegations will be a serious test not only for the judiciary but also for the freedom of media in the country. The deepening political gap between government and opposition does not allow for a constructive political dialogue to take place, and its place is in Parliament. The absence of the opposition there undermines the legitimacy of the pursued policies and the adopted legislation. Both sides have their responsibility before all Macedonian citizens for finding a way out of this situation in the name of the common goal – EU membership, economic and social prosperity.

The report is voted just a day before an official PES delegation led by Sergei Stanishev arrives in Skopje to get first-hand impressions and assessment of the situation with the mass phone tapping scandal.