PHARE plan to include the former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia
The Commission of the European Communities is to propose to the Council the inclusion of the former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia on the list of countries eligible for assistance under the Community's PHARE programme. PHARE supports economic restructuring in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and currently covers twelve countries: Poland, Hungary, Czech and Slovak Republics, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Slovenia and Yugoslavia. The former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) was recognised by the United Nations under a provisional name on 8 April 1993. The Commission's proposal includes the proviso that inclusion under PHARE does not prejudge the issue of the name of the Republic or its recognition by the Community. Inclusion in the PHARE programme has importance in terms of the stabilization of the new State. Community assistance will contribute to strengthening its democratic system and support economic reforms which will work as a factor for stability in the Balkan region. FYROM currently receives important economic assistance from the Community (at its meeting in Edinburgh, December 1992, the Council decided to provide ECU 100 million in aid). Arrangements are also being made to include the new Republic among the countries covered by the G-24 group.