EU’s accord with Macedonia could be model for Balkans

European Union foreign ministers signed a political and economic accord with Macedonia on the 9 April 2001 in what could become a model for forging longer-term stability in the Balkans. Spearheaded by Javier Solana, the EU's top diplomat, and Chris Patten, the EU's external affairs commissioner, the Stabilisation and Association agreement holds out the promise of eventual EU membership to Macedonia if it introduces a package of reforms.