The European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) with 38 votes in favour and 13 against adopted Monday a Resolution on the 2012 progress report on Macedonia.
With the resolution, the European Council is urged to set a date for opening of accession talks with Macedonia without further delay, media reports from Brussels.
In the first amendment of the resolution, the European Parliament expresses regret that for four years in a row the Council has decided not to adopt the European Commission's recommendation to open accession negotiations.
"We congratulate the EU Enlargement Commissioner for his initiatives and calls on him to include an assessment of the cost of non-enlargement in the report he prepares, including key risks for the country should the current status quo persist," reads the amendment.
The second compromise amendment highlights the importance of good neighbourly relations, being an essential part of the EU accession process and welcomes the country's open role in its relations with neighbouring countries. The continuing diplomatic exchanges which have taken place between Athens, Sofia and Skopje are encouraged calling on all sides to demonstrate a proper commitment to good neighbourly relations based on mutual respect and friendship.
The third amendment says that the EP strongly believes that the start of negotiations will be a "game-changer", giving positive impetus to further reforms and promoting favourable relations with neighbours.
Greece's representatives reacted with anger to this resolution, calling it a slap to the face. Greek media appeared equally devastated...
"Unfortunately, the report on Macedonia has clause calling for immediate accession talks with the EU, which is a significant weight added on the Greek side in future negotiations. Greece's attempts to remove the term Macedonian were also unsuccessful", states Athens based "Capital".
