FYROM, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Ilinka Mitreva, FYROM Minister for Foreign Affairs (Photo: European Commission)

FYROM has a population of 2.03 million and an area of 25,713 km².

FYROM declared its independence from Yugoslavia in January 2002. Greece insisted on the name "FYROM" since Macedonia could aspire to the area of all ancient Macedonia.

FYROM has an agreement with the EU under the Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP) and receives support under CARDS.

FYROM was the location for the first EU military presence. This began when NATO handed over the command of the UN peace-keeping project on 31^st March 2003.

Notes

• In January 2003, FYROM was invited by the Greek Presidency and the EU Commission to apply for EU membership.
• At the Thessaloniki Summit in June 2003, EU leaders were unequivocal that all Western Balkan countries will eventually join the EU.
• In March 2004, FYROM formally applied for membership of the EU.

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