WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
20 July 2011 
 (11-3663) 
Committee on Regional Trade Agreements  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
FACTUAL PRESENTATION 
 
Economic Integration Agreement  
between the  
European Union and the Former Yugoslav 
Republic of Macedonia 
(Services) 
 
Report by the Secretariat 
 
Revision 
 
 
  
 
This report, prepared for the considera tion of the Economic Integration Agreement 
between the European Union, and the Fo rmer Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, has 
been drawn up by the WTO Secretariat on its own responsibility and in full 
consultation with the Parties.  The repor t has been drawn up in accordance with the 
rules and procedures contained in the D ecision for a Transparency Mechanism for 
Regional Trade Agreements (WT/L/671).  
 Any technical questions arising from this report may be addressed to 
Jean-Daniel Rey (tel:  +41 22 739 52 64).  WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
 Page iii 
 
 
  TABLE OF CONTENT 
 
 
  Page 
 
I.  TRADE ENVIRONMENT 1  
II.  CHARACTERISTIC ELEMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT 9  
A.  BACKGROUND INFORMATION  9  
III.  PROVISIONS ON TRADE IN SERVICES 10  
A.  SCOPE AND DEFINITIONS  10  
B.  DENIAL OF BENEFITS  12  
C.  GENERAL PROVISIONS  12  
1.  Market Access 12  
2.  National treatment and MFN 12  
3.  Cross-border trade in services 12  
4.  Establishment 13  
5.  Movement of natural persons 13  
D.  LIBERALIZATION COMMITMENTS  15  
1.  General Overview 15  
(a)  The European Union 15  
(b)  The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 16  
2.  Sector-specific commitments 16  
(a)  Business Services 16  
(b)  Communication Services 17  
(c)  Construction, related engineering services, and 
Distribution Services 18  
(d)  Educational Services 18  
(e)  Environmental Services 19  
(f)  Financial Services 19  
(g)  Health Related and Social Services 20  
(h)  Tourism and Travel Serv ices and Recreational, 
Cultural and Sporting Services 20  
(i)  Transport Services 21  
(j)  Other services 22  
E.  REGULATORY PROVISIONS  22  
1.  Domestic regulation 22  
2.  Recognition 22  
3.  Approximation of Laws 22  
4.  Subsidies 23  
5.  Safeguards 23  WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
Page iv 
 
 
  6.  Payments and capital movements 23  
7.  Competition 24  
8.  Government procurement 24  
9.  Intellectual property 24  
IV.  GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT 25  
A.  EXCEPTIONS  25  
B.  ACCESSION  25 
C.  COOPERATION POLICIES  25  
D.  INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK  26  
E.  DISPUTE SETTLEMENT  26  
F.  RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER AGREEMENTS CONCLUDED BY THE PARTIES  26   WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
 Page 1 
 
 
  Key Facts 
 
Parties to the Agreement:  
The European Union, its member stat es (Austria;  Belgium;  Bulgaria; 
Cyprus;  Czech Republic;  Denmark;  Estonia;  Finland;  France;  Germany; 
Greece;  Hungary;  Ireland;  Italy;  La tvia;  Lithuania;  Luxembourg;  Malta; 
Netherlands;  Poland;  Portugal;  Ro mania;  Slovak Republic;  Slovenia; 
Spain; Sweden;  United Kingdom), a nd the Former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia.  
Date of Signature:  9 April 2001 
 Date of Entry into Force: 1 April 2004 
 
Date of Notification:  2 October 2009 (for Services) 
 
 
I. TRADE ENVIRONMENT 
1. The Stabilization and Association Agreement betw een the 27 Member States of the European 
Union (hereinafter "EU") and the Former Yugosla v Republic of Macedonia (hereinafter "FYROM") 
contains provisions on both goods and services.  This Factual Presentation deals with the services 
aspects and those parts of the Agreement which ar e applicable to both goods and services.  The 
Agreement is FYROM's first RTA with a services component notified to the WTO.  The EU has 
notified seven other RTAs which contain provisions on trade in services. 
2. In 2008, the EU (27) ranked as the world's la rgest trader in commercial services, accounting 
for 26.8 % of world exports and 23.5% of world imports, while FYROM ranked 90th and 100th in 
terms of global exports and imports, accounting for 0.03% of global services exports and imports.  
Economic indicators of the Parties are shown in Table I.1. 
Table I.1 
Selected indicators, 2008 
Country / entity Area ('000 km2) Population 2008 (million) GDP (2008) 
Total Per capita € billion a 
EU (27)                    4,187                                      496.8            12,462      25,086  
Austria                         82                                          8.3                 284      34,065  
Belgium                         30                                        10.7                 340      31,735  
Bulgaria                       109                                          7.6                   34        4,469  
Cyprus b                           9                                          0.9                   15      16,819  
Czech Republic                         77                                        10.4                 148      14,173  
Denmark                         42                                          5.5                 234      42,553  
Estonia                         42                                          1.3                   16      11,758  
Finland                       305                                          5.3                 185      34,859  
France                       550                                        62.0              1,948      31,390  
Germany                       349                                        82.1              2,494      30,359  
Greece                       129                                        11.2                 244      21,674  
Hungary                         90                                        10.0                 106      10,519  
Ireland                         69                                          4.5                 192      43,135  
Italy                       294                                        59.9              1,565      26,153  
Latvia                         62                                          2.3                   23      10,178  
Lithuania                         63                                          3.4                   32        9,623  
Luxembourg                           3                                          0.5                   37      75,941  
Malta                          0.3                                          0.4                     5      12,359  
Netherlands                         34                                        16.4                 587      35,719  
Poland                       306                                        38.1                 360        9,436  
Portugal                         92                                        10.6                 166      15,594  
Romania                       230                                        21.5                 137        6,349  
Table I.1 (Cont'd)WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
Page 2 
 
 
  Country / entity Area ('000 km2) Population 2008 (million) GDP (2008) 
Total Per capita € billion a 
Slovak Republic                         48                                          5.4                   65      11,991  
Slovenia                         20                                          2.0                   37      18,281  
Spain 499 45.6 1,095 24,033 
Sweden 410 9.2 328 35,538 
United Kingdom 242 61.4 1,806 29,415 
the Former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia  25 2.0 7 3,190 
 
a Exchange rate:  Euros per US dollar in 2008:  0.68. 
b GDP is based on 2007 data. 
 
Source:  WTO estimates based on World Bank. 
 
3. Table I.2 summarizes the EU and FYROM's services trade profiles. 
Table I.2:  EU(27) and  the Former Yu goslav Republic of Macedonia Trade Profiles 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat Trade Profiles.  Member Services trade - 2008 Rank in world 
trade - 2008 Services sectors 
with GATS 
commitments Exports euros 
billion % world 
exports Imports euros 
billion % world 
imports Exports Imports 
EU(27) 7460 26.8 6186 23.5 1 1 115 
the Former 
Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia  9.9 0.03 9.7 0.03 
90 100 115  WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
 Page 3 
 
 
  4. Chart I.1 shows the breakdown of commercial serv ices trade for the EU with the world in 
2000-2009.  The EU was a net exporter of commercial services over the period surveyed, running an 
increasing surplus.  Other business services travel an d transportation services account for the largest 
share of both imports and exports. 
 
0100200300400500600
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Note:   Data for 2000-2003 is for EC(15); 2004-2006 is for EC(25) and 2007-2009 is for EU(27).
Source: Eurostat database.Chart I.1
European Union, total commercial se rvices trade with world, 2000-2009
€ billion
Transportation services
Travel
Communications servicesFinancial services
Computer and information services
Royalties and license feesOther business services
Personal, cultural and 
recreational services
ConstructionInsurance services
 
 
 WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
Page 4 
 
 
  5. Chart I.2 shows the breakdown of commercial services trade for FYROM in 2000-2009 was a 
net exporter of commercial services in 2000 but th en became a net impor ter between 2001 and 2005, 
and since 2006 has run a surplus on its services trade balance.  Transportation services, other business 
services and more recently personal, cultural and recr eational services account for the majority of both 
its exports and imports. 
 
0.00.20.40.60.81.0
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Note: data for 2009 only includes Transportation services and Travel.
Source: UNCTADStat.Chart I.2
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,  total commercial services trade, 
2000-2009
€ billion
Transportation services
Travel
Communications servicesFinancial services
Computer and information services
Royalties and license feesOther business services
Personal, cultural and 
recreational services
ConstructionInsurance services
 
  WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
 Page 5 
 
 
  6. Chart I.3 shows the breakdown of the EU's commercial services trade with FYROM in 
2006-2009 with a constant positive ba lance in favour of the EU.  
 
 
-50050100150200250300350400450
Export Import Export Import Export Import Export Import
2006 2007 2008 2009
Source: EU authorities.Chart I.3
European Union, commercial  services trade with Fo rmer Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia, 2006-2009
€ million
Transportation services
Travel
Communications servicesFinancial services
Computer and information services
Royalties and license feesOther business services
Personal, cultural and 
recreational services
ConstructionInsurance services
 
 
 
  
 
 WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
Page 6 
 
 
  7. The EU's global investment position for the period 2000-2009 is depicted in Chart I.4.  Over 
the period surveyed, the EU is an increasing net provider of foreign investment to the world. 
05001,0001,5002,0002,5003,0003,5004,000
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 200905001,0001,5002,0002,5003,0003,5004,000
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009Chart I.4
European Union , inward and outward foreign in vestment stock with world, 
2000-2009
Inward Outward € billion € billion
Note:   Data for 2000-2003 is for EC(15); 2004-2006 is for EC(25) and 2007-2009 is for EU(27).
Source: Eurostat database. 
  WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
 Page 7 
 
 
  8. FYROM's global investment position is depict ed in Chart I.5.  FYROM remains a net 
recipient of FDI, with the stock of inward FD I growing significantly over the period; outward 
investment remains relatively small in comparison.   
 
0.01.02.03.04.05.0
20002001200220032004200520062007200820090.00.10.20.30.40.5
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009Chart I.5
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, inward and outward foreign investment 
stock with world, 2000-2009
Inward Outward€ billion € billion
Source: UNCTADStat. 
 
  
 
  
 WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
Page 8 
 
 
  9. Chart I.6 depicts the movement of the Parties' two-way foreign direct investment stocks, 
using FYROM's National Bank as a data-source. The Ch arts show that the FDI stocks originating 
from the EU rose constantly between 2000 and 2009 , while the FDI stocks from FYROM fluctuated 
at a relatively modest level between 2000 and 2006 to, then, increase considerably during the last 
three years of the period under review.   
 
05101520253035404550
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 20090.00.51.01.52.02.53.0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009Chart I.6
European Union , inward and outward foreign investment stock with Former 
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, 2000-2009
Inward Outward€ million € billion
Source: National Bank of Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. 
 
  WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
 Page 9 
 
 
  II. CHARACTERISTIC ELEMEN TS OF THE AGREEMENT 
A. BACKGROUND INFORMATION  
10. In November 2000, the stabilization and associ ation process was launched at the Zagreb 
Summit.  This constitutes the framework for EU negotiations with the countries of the Western 
Balkans.  The Stabilization and Association Agr eement between the EU and the Former Yugoslav 
Republic of Macedonia (hereinafter "the  Agreement") was signed on 9 April 2001.1  O n e  o f  i t s  
objectives was for FYROM and the other EU-partner c ountries in the region to align their legislative 
frameworks with the regulatory fra mework of the EU as a precursor to eventual EU membership.   
FYROM, as well as Croatia, are candidate coun tries for EU accession, while other potential 
candidates in the Western Balkans include Alba nia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and 
Serbia.2   
11. The Agreement entered into force on 1 April 20043 and, on 2 October 2009, the services 
aspects of the Agreement were notified by the EU and FYROM, pursuant to Article V: 7(a) of 
GATS.4  The text of the Agreement is available, toge ther with its related Annexes, on the following 
official website: 
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUr iServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2004:084:0013:0081:EN:PDF . 
12. The Agreement is composed of a Preamble and ten main parts (called "Titles" in the 
Agreement) as follows: 
Box II.1:  Outline of the Agreement. 
Preamble  
TITLE I General principles 
TITLE II Political dialogue 
TITLE III Regional  cooperation 
TITLE IV Free movement of goods 
Chapter I Industrial products 
  Annexes I and II (related to Article 18) 
Chapter II Agriculture and fisheries 
  Annexes III to IV(c) (related to Article 27) 
  Annexes V(a) and V(b) (related to Article 28 
Chapter III Common provisions 
TITLE V Movement of workers, establis hment, supply of services, capital 
Chapter I Movement of workers 
Chapter II Establishment 
                                                      
1 On the same date, and as part of the Stabilizati on and Association process, the EU and FYROM also 
signed an Interim agreement on trade-related matters (hereina fter referred to as "Inter im agreement").  Upon the 
entry into force of the Interim Agreement Articles 13 to 32 of the 1997 Cooperation Agreement between the 
EU and FYROM was suspended.  The In terim agreement establis hed a free-trade area in relation with trade in 
goods and was notified to the WTO, under  Article XXIV of the GATT 1994, on the date of its entry into force, 
on 1 June 2001 (See Notification in WT/REG129/N/1, and the text of the Interim Agreement in 
WT/REG129/1).  The goods aspects of the Agreemen t were examined in the CRTA in March 2004 and 
February 2005.  See documents WT/REG/142/M/1-2. 
2 The precursor to the SAA was a Cooperation Agreement signed betw een the EC and its 15 Member 
States and FYROM in April 1997 a nd provided autonomous trade preferences to FY ROM as of 1 December 
2000. 
3 A Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the EU and their Member States, 
and FYROM was signed on 22 February 2008 and entered into force 1 November 2008. This Protocol takes into 
account the accession of Bulgar ia and Romania to the EU. 
4 S/C/N/514. WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
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  Chapter III Supply of services 
  Note : Reference to the Agreement between the EU  and the Former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia in the field of transport entered into force on 27 November 1997.  
Chapter IV Current payments and movement of capital 
Chapter V General provisions 
  Annex VI: Establishment: "Financial serv ices" (referred to in Articles 47 and 49) 
TITLE VI Approximation of laws and law enforcement 
  Annex VII (related to Article 71, intellect ual, industrial and commercial property) 
TITLE VII Justice and home affairs 
TITLE 
VIII Cooperation policies 
TITLE IX Financial cooperation 
TITLE X Institutional, general and final provisions 
 Note: link with the Interim Agreement 
  
Protocols - Protocol 1: on textile and clothing products 
 - Protocol 2: on steel products 
 - Protocol 3: on trade between  the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the EU in 
processed agricultural products 
 - Protocol 4: concerning the definition of the concept of "originating products" and methods of 
administrative cooperation  
 - Protocol 5: on mutual administ rative assistance in customs matters 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat based on the Agreement. 
 
13. Article 5 foresees that the Agreement will be fu lly implemented over a tr ansitional period of 
ten years (2014) divided into two stages.5  The first stage started with  the entry into force of the 
Agreement on 1 April 2004.  Four years after the en try into force of the Agreement (i.e. in 2008), the 
Stabilisation and Association Council was required unde r Article 5 to evaluate the progress made and 
determine the transition to the second stage, its dura tion, as well as any possible changes to be made 
to the provisions governing the second stage.  In 2009 the European Commission evaluated progress 
made and adopted a proposal for a Decision of the Council and of the Commission on the Community position within the Stabilisation and Association C ouncil on the transition to the second stage.  The 
Decision is still pending.  Certain provisions of Title V applicable to FYROM are subject to a 
transition period which is d escribed more fully below. 
III. PROVISIONS ON TRADE IN SERVICES 
A. S
COPE AND DEFINITIONS  
14. In addition to governing relations between th e Parties on trade in services, the Agreement 
includes provisions on trade in goods (already implemented as per the Interim Agreement), 
approximation of laws, law enforcement and comp etition, justice and home affairs, cooperation 
policies, and financial cooperation. 
                                                      
5 It should be kept in mind that the relations between FYROM and the EU evolved since the signature 
of the Agreement, in April 2001. In particular, on 22 March 2004, FYROM formally applied for EU 
membership and, on 1 April 2004, the Stabilization and Association Agreement entere d into force (hereinafter 
referred to as "the Agreement"). On 16 December 2005, the European Council granted candidate status to 
FYROM. A few months later, on 30 January 2006, The European Council adopted the European Partnership, 
which was updated, on 18 Fe bruary 2008, with the ad option by the Council of the Accession Partnership 
applicable to FYROM.  Finally, In March 2008, the European Commission adopted a Communication on the 
Western Balkans containing benchmarks for movi ng to the next stage in  the accession process.  WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
 Page 11 
 
 
  15. The aspects of the Agreement related to trade in  services are contained in Title V, which is 
divided into five chapters.  Chapter I contains di sciplines on movement of workers;  Chapter II relates 
to establishment;  Chapter III compri ses specific rules on supply of services;  Chapter IV deals with 
current payments and movement of capital; and Chapter V sets out general provisions.  
16. The provisions of Title V ("Movement of workers, establishment, supply of services, capital") 
do not apply to activities that in the territory of e ither Party are connected, even occasionally, with the 
exercise of official authority (Article 61.2).  This provision is connected to Article 45 of the EC 
Treaty that states that the provisions of the right of  establishment chapter shall not apply, so far as any 
given Member State is concerned, to activities whic h in that State are connected, even occasionally, 
with the exercise of official authority.  "Official aut hority" is not defined in the Treaty, but there is a 
case law of the European Court of Justice ("the ECJ") in this respect.  There is also Article 39(4) of 
the Treaty that provides for an exemption from th e freedom of movement for workers regarding 
employment in the public service.  In addition, the Parties remain free to apply their laws and 
regulations regarding entry and stay, employme nt, working conditions, establishment of natural 
persons and supply of services, provided that, in so do ing, they do not apply them in such a manner as 
to nullify or impair the benefits accruing to any Party under the terms of the Agreement (Article 62). 
17. Under the Agreement, a "company" is defined as an EU company or a company from 
FYROM set up in accordance with the laws of an EU member state (respectively the laws of the 
FYROM) and having its registered office or central administration or principal place of business in 
the territory of the EU or FYROM respectively.6  Companies which are controlled and exclusively 
owned jointly by FYROM companies or nationals an d EU companies or nationals are covered by the 
provisions of Title V (Article 63).  An EU or a FYROM national is defined as a natural person who is 
a national of an EU member state or FYROM.  T hus, unlike in the GATS, the definition of natural 
persons does not extend to permanent residents. 
18. The structure of Agreement follows neither a ty pical "negative" or "positive" list approach.  
Its structure reflects one of its main objectives, that is the approximation of FYROM's legislation to 
that of the EU, taking into account FYROM's formal request for EU membership.  Thus, certain parts 
of the Agreement, such as Title V, mirror  some elements of the EU's primary law.7   
19. Chapters II and III of Title V address different m odes of supply.  Chapter II, on establishment, 
covers mode 3 but also applies to trade in goods .  Through Article 48, it provides for full MFN and 
national treatments upon entry into force, while also maintaining some exceptions and/or restrictions 
in Articles 49 to 51.  In particular, the Agreem ent's provisions on establishment do not apply to air 
transport services; inland waterways transport services and maritime cabotage services.  The 
Stabilization and Association Council may make  recommendations for improving establishment and 
operations of these sectors (Article 50).  Chapter III, on the supply of services, does not provide for 
immediate liberalization but rather establishes a progressive process.  Covering essentially modes 1, 2 
and 4, the chapter also contains a standstill obligation.  More deta ils are provided below. 
                                                      
6 "Subsidiary" of a company shall mean a company which is  effectively controlled by the first company 
(Article 47b). "Branch" of a compan y shall mean a place of business not ha ving legal personality which has the 
appearance of permanency, such as the extension of a parent body, has management and is materially equipped 
to negotiate business with third Parties so that the latter,  although knowing that there will if necessary be a legal 
link with the parent body, the head office of which is abroad, do not have to deal directly with such parent body 
but may transact business at the place of bu siness constituting the extension (Article 47c). 
7 i.e. the Treaty establishing the European Commun ity (TEC), as amended, and notably the Internal 
Market freedoms. The freedom of esta blishment and the freedom to provide services across border are enshrined 
in Articles 43 and 49 of the TEC (Article 49 and 56 of the Treaty on the Functio ning of the EU – TFU). The 
Agreement's approach to regulating bilateral and preferen tial relations between the EU and FYROM in trade in 
services is therefore influenced by th ese Articles as well as by the principles  that the European Court of Justice 
(ECJ) has developed on the basis of their application. WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
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  B. DENIAL OF BENEFITS  
20. A Party may deny the benefits of Title V of  the Agreement to a company having only its 
registered office in the EU or FYROM unless its ope rations possess "a real and continuous link" with 
the economy of one of the EU Member States or of FYROM (Article 47). 
C. GENERAL PROVISIONS  
1. Market Access 
21. Title V does not contain any explicit market access limitation, per se , comparable to the 
provisions in GATS Article XVI.  However, as rega rds establishment, services may be provided as 
from the entry into force of the Agreement for EU and FYROM companies (Article 48).  In relation 
with the supply of services (covering modes 1,2, and to a certain extent 4)8, the right to provide 
services is granted progressively in accordance w ith the provisions of Chapter III of Title V.9   
2. National treatment and MFN 
22. As of the entry into force of the Agreement,  the Parties agree to grant MFN and national 
treatments as regards the establishment of EU an d FYROM's companies and the operation of their 
subsidiaries and branches (Article 48).  There is  not corresponding provision in the Agreement to 
grant MFN and national treatments for the supply of services. 
3. Cross-border trade in services10 
23. The Parties agree to take the necessary steps to allow progressively the supply of services by 
a company from the EU or from FYROM or their nati onals who are established in a Party other than 
that of the person for whom the services are intended (Article 55.1).  The supply of services therefore 
essentially covers modes 1, 2, and, 4.  As fr om the second stage of the transition period, the 
Stabilisation and Association Council shall take th e measures necessary to implement progressively 
this liberalization of trade in services between the Par ties.  In that context, account shall be taken of 
the progress achieved by the Parties in the approximation of their laws (Article 55.3).  
24. The Agreement contains a standstill clause in wh ich the Parties committed not to take any 
measures or actions which would render the conditions for the supply of services by EU and FYROM 
nationals or for companies established in a Party ot her than that of the person for whom the services 
are intended, significantly more restrictive as compar ed to the situation on the day preceding the date 
of entry into force of the Agreement (Article 56).  If one Party believes that the other has introduced 
such restrictive measures it may request consultations with the other Party. 
                                                      
8 The concept of mode 2 (supply of a service in the territory of one Member to the consumer of any 
other Member) does not as such exist in the TFU.  Ho wever, insofar as EU citizens (i.e. nationals of one 
member State)  have the right to move and reside freely within the territory of the EU  (Article 18 of the TEC), 
nationals may not be prohibited from consuming services in any EU member state. Once the approximation of 
laws between the EU and FYROM will be completed, this would apply also become applicable to FYROM 
companies and nationals, in the context of  eventual FYROM memb ership of the EU. 
9 This is not applicable in relation with the establis hment of companies for air transport services, inland 
waterways transport services, and mariti me cabotage services (Article 50). 
10 The notion of "freedom to suppl y services", enshrined in Article 49 of the TEC, is one of the 
fundamental principles of the EU internal market.  This is of importan ce as the Agreement, which might be seen 
as a precursor to eventual EU membership, is stru ctured around the alignment of FYROM's legislative 
framework with the regulatory framework of the EU.  WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
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  25. Special provisions cover the supply of transpor t services, in particular inland transport and 
international maritime transport, as described below.11 
4. Establishment12 
26. Chapter II of Title V contains the disciplines granting the right of establishment in FYROM 
for EU companies as well as a right of establishmen t in the EU for a company from FYROM.  As 
regards companies from the EU or from FYROM, est ablishment means the right to take up economic 
activities through subsidiaries and branches in the othe r Party (Article 47.d.ii).  As regards nationals 
from EU Member States or from FYROM, establishm ent means the right to set up undertakings, in 
particular companies, which they effectively cont rol (Article 47.d.i).  Self-employment and business 
undertakings by nationals shall not extend to seeki ng or taking up employment in the labour market or 
confer a right of access to the labour market of another Party.  The provisions on establishment do not apply to those who are not exclusively self-emplo yed.  The Agreement's provisions on establishment 
go beyond the GATS definition of mode 3, as it also  covers the establishment of companies producing 
goods.  
27. Five years after the entry into force of the Agreement (in 2009), the Parties were to examine 
whether to extend the commitments made on the est ablishment of companies to nationals of both 
Parties to include also economic activities as sel f-employed persons.  This examination has not yet 
taken place.  
28. The Agreement contains a standstill clause th rough FYROM's commitment not to adopt any 
new regulations or measures which introduces discrimination against the establishment of EU companies on its territory or in respect of their operation, once established,  by comparison with its 
own companies (Article 48.2).  
29. Notwithstanding these commitments on establishmen t, a Party may apply particular rules 
concerning the establishment and operation in its r espective territories of branches of companies of 
the other Party not incorporated in the territory of the first Party, if such rules are justified by legal or 
technical differences between such branches compared  to branches of companies incorporated in its 
territory, or, as regards financial services, for prude ntial reasons.  The difference in treatment shall 
however not go beyond what is strictly necessary as a result of such legal or technical differences (Article 51). 
30. The provisions of Chapter II of Title V ("Esta blishment") does not apply to air transport 
services, inland waterways transport services ad maritime cabotage services (Article 50).  
5. Movement of natural persons 
31. Chapter I of Title V contains provi sions on the movement of workers.
13  The provisions 
provide for non-discrimination based on nationali ty for nationals from the EU or from FYROM 
legally employed in the other Party, as regard s working conditions, remuneration or dismissal 
(Article 44).  The provisions also provide for access to the labour markets for the legally resident 
spouse and children of a worker legally employed in  the other Party.  Existing facilities for access to 
employment for FYROM's workers accorded by EU  Member States under bilateral agreements should 
be preserved and if possible impr oved (Article 45).  Other EU Member States shall examine the 
                                                      
11 Within the EU internal legal framework, the freed om to provide transport services is governed by 
specific provisions.  See Title VI of TFU (former Articles 70-80 of TEC). 
12 The notion of "freedom of establishment", enshrined in Article 43 of the TEC, is also one of the 
fundamental principles of the EU internal market. 
13 Such provisions are distinct from the GATS provisions on the movement of natural persons 
supplying services. WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
Page 14 
 
 
  possibility of concluding such bilateral agreements.  The Agreement also provides for rules to be laid 
down for the coordination of social security system s for FYROM's workers and their family members 
adding together all periods of insurance, employme nt or residence completed in various EU Member 
States for the purpose of pensions and annuities in respect of old age, invalidity and death and for 
medical care for workers and family members an d that pensions and annuities are to be freely 
transferable. 
32. Chapter II of Title V on establishment contains  provisions (akin to the GATS) on the right 
granted to companies from the EU and from FYROM est ablished in the territory of the other Party to 
employ, or have employed by one of its subsidiaries or branches, in accordance with the legislation in 
force in the host country of establishment, employees who are nationals from the EU and from 
FYROM (Article 53).  To be eligible, employees must be "key personnel" exclusively employed by companies, subsidiaries or branches.  The reside nce and work permits of such employees shall only 
cover the period of such employment .  No time limits on residence a nd work permits are laid down in 
the Agreement.  Key personnel are consider ed eligible "intra-corporate transferees"
14 as long as the 
organization employing them is a legal person and they have been employed by it or have been 
partners in it for at least the year immediately preceding the transfer.  The covered intra-corporate 
transferees are persons working in a senior position w ithin an organization, who primarily direct the 
management of the establishment, receive general s upervision or direction pr incipally from the board 
of directors or stockholders15, as well as the persons working within a company who possess 
uncommon knowledge essential to the establishment's service, research equipment, techniques or 
management.  
33. The entry into and the temporary presence of nationals from EU or from FYROM within the 
territory of either Party is permitted for persons working in a senior position and responsible for the 
setting up of a subsidiary or a branch of a company in one of the Parties.  Such permission is subject 
to the condition that those representatives are not engaged in making direct sales or supplying 
services, and in case the company has its principa l place of business outside the EU or FYROM and 
has no other representative office, branch or subsidiary in the EU or FYROM. 
34. Chapter III of Title V on "Supply of services" contains provisions permitting the temporary 
movement of natural persons providing the service or who are employed by the service provider as 
key personnel and who seek temporary entry for the purpose of negotiating the sale of services or 
entering into agreements to sell services, but are not  engaged in making direct  sales to the general 
public or in supplying services themselves (Article 53. 2).  The measures necessary to implement such 
provisions are to be taken by the Stabilization and Association Council from the second stage of the 
transition period.  Account shall be taken of the pr ogress achieved by the Parties in the approximation 
of their laws.  In its horizontal commitments in its GATS schedule, the EU has made commitments for 
intra-corporate transfers (ICTs), business visitors (BV) and contractual service suppliers (CSS) 
subject to conditions which vary for individual EU member states.  For a majority of EU member 
states, in the case of ICTs, the natural person must  work within a juridical person, other than a 
non-profit making organization, established in th e territory of a WTO Member and have been 
employed or been a partner in it for at least the year immediately preceding the date of admission.  
The natural person is temporarily transferred to pr ovide a service through commercial presence in the 
                                                      
14 An "intra-corporate transferee" is defined as a natural person working within an organization in the 
territory of a Party, and being temporarily transferred in  the context of pursuit of economic activities in the 
territory of the other Party;  the or ganization concerned must have its prin cipal place of business in the territory 
of a Party and the transfer be to an establishment (branch, subsidiary) of that organization, effectively pursuing 
like economic activities in the territory of the other Party.   
15 Including directing the establishment of a departme nt or sub-division; supervising and controlling the 
work of other supervisory, professional or managerial employees; and having the authority personally to recruit 
and dismiss staff.  WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
 Page 15 
 
 
  territory of the EU member state concerned.  For three EU member states an economic needs test is 
required.  The duration of temporary stay for ICTs is defined by individual EU member states.  The 
category of business visitor applies to i) service selle rs seeking temporary entry to negotiate the sale 
of services and ii)  those in a senior position, within  a juridical person, responsible for the setting up 
of a commercial presence of a service provider (but not engaged in making direct sales or supplying 
services).  The duration of temporary stay of BV s is defined by individual EU member states.  
Seventeen EU member states have scheduled horiz ontal commitments on CSS which apply to natural 
persons engaged in the supply of a service on a te mporary basis as employees of a juridical person, 
who has no commercial presence in any EU member state.  The temporary entry and stay is for a 
period of three months in any 12 month period (i n the case of most EU member states which have 
scheduled commitments on CSS).  The services contr act has to be obtained in a predefined list of 
activities.16 
35. In its GATS schedule, FYROM has scheduled horizontal commitments on the temporary 
presence of intra-corporate transferees (ICTs).17  Such ICTs may be granted a temporary residence 
clearance with a validity of up to three years, renewa ble upon request with a limit of up to two years.  
FYROM also makes provision in its GATS schedule for business visitors.18  The duration of 
temporary stay is, in this case, limited to 90 da ys with the possibility of renewal upon request. 
D. LIBERALIZATION COMMITMENTS  
36. The approach taken in this section is to compar e the sector-specific commitments taken by the 
EU and FYROM in their GATS schedules with the liberalization offered under the Agreement.   
1. General Overview  
(a) The European Union 
37. In its GATS schedule, the EU has made commitments in 115 of 155 services sectors.19  It has 
scheduled extensive commitments, including on fina ncial services, telecommunications, transport, 
tourism and professional services, subject to individual EU member state limitations.  The EU did not 
commit postal and audio-visual services and spac e transport services.  The EU scheduled MFN 
                                                      
16 These are legal services;  accounting services;  taxa tion advisory services;  architectural services,  
urban planning and landscape architectural services;  en gineering services, integrated engineering services:  
computer and related services;  research and developm ent services;  advertising;  management consulting 
services;  services related to management consulting;  te chnical testing and analysis services;  related scientific 
and technical consulting services;  translation services;  construction services, site investigation work;  higher 
education services;  travel agencies and tour operator  services;  entertainment services;  services related to the 
sale of equipment or to the assignment of a patent. 
17 Defined as natural persons being temporarily tr ansferred to supply serv ices through commercial 
presence in the territory of FYROM.  ICTs are persons  occupying senior managerial or executive positions.  
This category also includes specialists – natural persons possessing high or uncommon qualifications or 
knowledge essential for the functioning of the company, which are important to the services that the company 
supplies, and who possesses knowledge of the organization's services, research equipment, techniques or 
management . 
18 Defined as natural persons not based in FY ROM, who are engaged in activities related to 
representing a services supplier for the purpose of negotiating for the sale of the services of that supplier.  those 
representatives cannot be engaged in making direct sa les to the general public or in supplying services 
themselves. 
19 The GATS EU-25 schedule was certified on 18 December 2006 (S/L/286) and is contained in 
document S/C/W/273, and Add.1 and Suppl.1.  For ease of reference, comparisons made between the EU's 
commitments under the Agreement and its GATS schedule  are based on the EU(25) GATS schedule.  This 
consolidated schedule has not yet entered into force because the ratification process has not been completed in a 
number of EU Member States.  The GATS EU-27 schedule has not yet been certified.   WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
Page 16 
 
 
  exemptions in a number of sectors including audio-visual services, transport services, and 
publishing.20  
38. In its GATS schedule the EU maintains a horiz ontal "public utilities carve-out", while under 
the Agreement "activities that in the territory of either Party are connected, even occasionally, with 
the exercise of official authority" are excluded from its scope (Article 62.2).   
39. Individual EU member states maintain a number of horizontal reservations concerning 
conditions for commercial presence (mode 3) in the EU GATS schedule, particularly with regard to 
the composition of the board of directors or permitted type of legal entity.  In all EU member states 
except Hungary and Poland, eligibility for subsidies fr om the EU may be limited to juridical persons 
established within the territory of an EU member state or a particular geographical sub-division 
thereof.  Subsidies for research and developmen t are unbound.  Such reservations have not been 
scheduled under the Agreement.    
40. With regard to investment, horizontal limitations  are listed by about half of the EU member 
states in the GATS services schedule.  Such reser vations are not indicated under the Agreement.  
41. In the GATS schedule, a number of EU member states have scheduled reservations on real 
estate purchases while there are none in the Agreement.   
(b) The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 
42. In its GATS Schedule, FYROM has made commitments in 115 of 155 services sectors.  It 
scheduled extensive commitments, including on fina ncial services, telecommunications, transport, 
tourism, and professional services.  FYROM did not however take any commitments for audio-visual services, maritime transport services, internal waterways transport as well as for passenger and freight 
transportations in the areas of air and space tran sportation.  FYROM maintained MFN exemptions 
under Article II of the GATS for the acquisition by fore ign natural persons of real estate and land, for 
certain legal services, audio-visual services (producti on and distribution), educational services (in the 
context of student exchange programs), and, in transport, for CRS and sales and marketing of air 
transport services, as well as road transport servi ces to cover existing or future preferential 
agreements.  
43. In its horizontal GATS commitments, FYROM ma intains limitations on commercial presence 
(registration requirement and prohibition on re presentative offices registered in FYROM from 
conducting business operations), and for temporary entry and stay of natural persons, which are 
unbound except for intra-corporate transferees and business visitors.  Under the Agreement, FYROM 
has no particular limitations besides the genera l reservations described below when those are 
applicable to both Parties. 
2. Sector-specific commitments  
(a) Business Services 
44. The EU's GATS schedule contains commitments in all 11 sub-sectors of the professional 
services category.
21 In legal services, more than half of EU member states have reservations, 
particularly for mode 3 in the form of type of legal entity or nationality requirements.  Accounting, 
                                                      
20 Based on the EU(12) list of MFN exemptions.  MFN exemptions have also been scheduled by the 15 
countries which acceded to  the EU since 1995. 
21 The EC schedule contains 13 speci fic entries; architecture and en gineering services, as well as 
auditing and bookkeeping services have been split into separate categories; the schedule includes "related 
scientific and technical consulting services " as an "other" professional service.  WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
 Page 17 
 
 
  auditing and bookkeeping services are also subject to  reservations in the EU GATS schedule, again 
for mode 3.  Architectural services are subject to  nationality and residence requirements in some EU 
member states under the GATS.  Medical and de ntal services, veterinary services and services 
provided by midwives, nurses, physiotherapists a nd para-medical personnel are in some cases 
unbound for mode 3 under the GATS, are subject to nati onality requirements or ac cess is restricted to 
natural persons.  Computer and Related Services is  for the most part fully committed for modes 1-3 
under the GATS for all EU member states (except Cyprus, Malta, Poland and the Slovak Republic).  
Research and development on natural sciences a nd interdisciplinary R&D services are uncommitted 
for most EU member states in modes 1-3, while real estate services is unbound in modes 1-3 for about 
half EU member states.  For rental/leasing servi ces without operators, modes 1-3 are unbound for 
some EU member states, principally in the case of the recently acceded members.  Under other 
business services, all sub-sectors are committed by the majority of EU member states, though 
restrictions remain, in particular, in services incidental to manufacturing, placement and supply, 
investigation and security services, where modes 1-3 remain unbound for a number of EU member 
states.  The provision of business services through mode 4 for ICTs and BV s (where not unbound), is 
subject to nationality and residency requirement s, prescribed minimum professional qualifications, 
(and, particularly for medical personnel, quotas) in a number of EU member states.  For a number of 
sub-sectors, CSS is unbound (except for those sub-sect ors positively listed in the EU's horizontal 
commitments). 
45. In its GATS schedule, FYROM made extensive commitments in business services and 
liberalized modes 1-3 for the majority of subsector s listed.  Exceptions include reservations taken for 
establishment to provide a service in subsector s such as urban planning and landscape, market 
research and public opinion, techni cal testing and analysis services, or investigation and security. 
Access to subsidies is restricted in publishing.  There are no commitments for medical and dental 
services, services provided by midwives, nurses, phys iotherapists and para-medical personnel, R&D 
services on natural sciences as well as interdisciplin ary R&D services, some real-estate services, 
services incidental to manufacturing and to energy distribution, as well as convention services.  No 
additional commitments were made in mode 4 othe r than those listed in the horizontal section of 
FYROM's GATS schedule. 
46. Under the Agreement, there are no national treatment restrictions on professional services for 
mode 3 ("establishment" under the Agreement).  Furt her, the provision of such services through other 
modes of supply was bound at the existing level of restrictiveness and will be progressively 
liberalized within the prescribed transition period.   
(b) Communication Services 
47. Postal and audio-visual services are uncommitted under the EU GATS schedule.  For courier 
services, modes 1-3 remain unbound for the majority of EU member states.  For telecommunication 
services, the EU's commitments under the GATS include "all services consisting of the transmission and reception of signals by any electromagnetic m eans, excluding broadcasting".  Telecommunication 
services is, for the most part, fully committed by th e majority of EU member states;  mode 1 is 
unbound for Cyprus and Malta and e quity ceilings on mode 3 exist fo r a small number of EU member 
states.  The EU GATS schedule also incorporat es the Reference Paper obligations for basic 
telecommunications services.  For mode 4, ICT and BV are, for most EU member states, unbound 
except as indicated in the horizontal section of the EU's schedule.  CSS is unbound for all EU member 
states in communications services. 
48. FYROM has no commitments in audio-visual services in the GATS.  However, in other 
communication services it has commitments in modes 1-3 for postal and courier services, with some 
limitations such as no access to subsidies for prin ting and publishing, or exclusive rights granted 
through a license system to build, possess and work w ith fixed public telecommunications networks.   WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
Page 18 
 
 
  FYROM accepted the Reference Paper on basic telecommunications services.22  No additional mode 4 
commitments were made other than those listed in  the horizontal section of its GATS schedule.    
49. Under the Agreement, there are no national treatment restrictions on communication services 
for mode 3 ("establishment" under the Agreement).  Further, the provision of such services through 
other modes of supply was bound at the existing le vel of restrictiveness and will be progressively 
liberalized within the prescribed transition period.   
(c) Construction, related engineering services, and Distribution Services 
50. The EU GATS schedule shows variations in the sector scope for the Czech Republic, the 
Slovak Republic, and Sweden (which exclude CPC 515 and 518 from their GATS commitments), 
Finland (which excludes CPC 511, 515, 517, and 518), Latvia (excludes 511), and Slovenia 
(excludes 518).23 In the GATS schedule, five newly acceded EU member states have no commitments 
in mode 3.  Commission agents' services is uncommitted in modes 1- 3 for the majority of the newly 
acceded EU members in the EU's GATS schedule including mode 1 limitations for France and Italy.  
For wholesale trade services, market access limitations  in certain products are registered in France 
(for pharmacies, tobacco and matches), and Estonia, Italy, and Portugal (for tobacco) for modes 1 and 
3.  Retailing is limited in scope for some EU memb er states and remains subject to an economic needs 
test in some EU member states, while franchisi ng is unbound in modes 1-3 for three newly acceded 
EU member states and Sweden.  For mode 4, IC Ts and BVs are unbound except as indicated in the 
horizontal part of the EU's schedule with additiona l commercial presence or nationality conditions for 
a few EU member states.  For CSS, defined professi onal qualifications and experience are required in 
the case of construction services in some EU member states.  In distribution services, CSS is unbound 
for all EU member states. 
51.  FYROM has full commitments in modes 2 a nd 3 for construction services in its GATS 
schedule.  For distribution services, it has full commi tment in modes 1-3.  No additional commitments 
were made in mode 4 other than those listed in  the horizontal section of its GATS schedule.   
52. Under the Agreement, there are no national treatme nt restrictions on construction and related 
engineering, and distribution services for mode 3 (" establishment" under the Agreement).  Further, the 
provision of such services through other modes of supply was bound at the existing level of 
restrictiveness and will be progressively liberali zed within the prescribed transition period. 
(d) Educational Services 
53. In the EU's GATS schedule, the provision of educational services is limited to privately 
funded services.  In some EU member states, th e provision of such services is dependent on 
nationality or licensing approval, mainly for mode 3.   For ICTs and BVs under mode 4, the nationality 
condition is applied by some EU member states.  CSS is uncommitted for the majority of EU member 
states in higher education services.   
54. Like for the EU, FYROM's specific GATS commi tments cover privately funded education 
services.  Moreover, educational services in investigation, security and defence areas as well as history and culture of people and nationalities in  FYROM are excluded from its commitments.  All 
modes were also unbound for grants and scholarship s.  FYROM has fully committed modes 1-3 for 
                                                      
22 WTO document GATS/SC/138, 30 April 2004. 
23 Specifications of the services activities are:  CPC 511 - pre-erecti on work at construction sites; 
CPC 512 - construction work for buildings; CPC 513 - construction work for civil engineering; CPC 514 - 
assembly and erection of pre-fabricated constructions ; CPC 515 - special trade construction work; CPC 516 - 
installation work; CPC 517 – building completion and finishing work;  CPC 518 - renting services related to 
equipment for construction or demolition of buildings  or civil engineering works, with operator.  WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
 Page 19 
 
 
  secondary, higher, and adult education services.  No  additional commitments were made in mode 4 
other than those listed in the horizontal section of its GATS schedule. 
55. Under the Agreement, there are no national treatment restrictions on educational services for 
mode 3 ("establishment" under the Agreement).  Furt her, the provision of such services through other 
modes of supply was bound at the existing level of restrictiveness and will be progressively 
liberalized within the prescribed transition period.   
(e) Environmental Services 
56. In the EU GATS schedule, modes 2-3 of all sub-sectors of environmental services are 
unbound for a handful of EU member states, principa lly the recently acceded members.  For mode 1 
in all sub-sectors, some of the recently acceded EU  member states have not registered limitations, 
particularly Estonia, which has consistently sche duled no limitations in all sub-sectors.  Mode 4 for 
ICTs and BVs is unbound except as indicated in th e horizontal section for most EU member states 
(and unbound for the rest).  CSS is unbound for all EU member states. 
57. FYROM has commitments in modes 2 and 3 for environmental services under its GATS 
schedule.  No additional commitments were made in mode 4 other than those listed in the horizontal 
section of its GATS schedule.  Under the Agreement, there are no national treatment restrictions on 
educational services for mode 3 ("establishment" unde r the Agreement).  Further, the provision of 
such services through other modes of supply was bound at the existing level of restrictiveness and will 
be progressively liberalized within the prescribed transition period.   
(f) Financial Services 
58. In the EU GATS schedule, 18 member stat es took commitments in accordance with the 
provisions of the "Understanding on Commitments in Financial Services" (hereinafter the 
Understanding), while the remaining member states made commitments on the basis of the traditional 
scheduling approach.  For those EU member stat es which scheduled their GATS commitments in 
accordance with the Understanding, in insurance and insurance-related services, a number of 
countries scheduled reservations allowing only EU est ablished companies to offer insurance services 
or requiring a specific legal form.  In banking and ot her financial services, mode 3 in particular is 
subject to a number of reservations, regarding form s of establishment or licensing requirements.  For 
ICTs and BVs under mode 4, nationa lity and/or residency conditions ar e applied by some EU member 
states.  CSS is unbound for those 18 EU memb er states under the Understanding.    
59. In its GATS schedule, FYROM has scheduled some limitations in modes 1-2 for life and 
non-life insurance services.  In banking and othe r financial services, certain subsectors including 
acceptance of deposits, lending of all types, financ ial leasing, all payments and money transmission 
services, guarantees and commitments, trading for own account and participation in issues of all kinds of securities, asset management, and settlement a nd clearing services for financial assets, are unbound 
for mode 1.  In mode 2, FYROM has scheduled some  limitations, e.g. nationa lity requirement or legal 
form of companies.  Mode 2 is unbound for a number  of subsectors, until the beginning of stage 2 of 
the implementation of the Agreement.  Once stage 2 starts, FYROM's market access commitments for 
mode 2 and from the specified subsector, would be  fully liberalized.  No additional commitments 
were made in mode 4 other than those listed in the horizontal section of its GATS schedule. 
60. Under the Agreement, the Parties may take meas ures for prudential reasons, including for the 
protection of investors, depositors, policy holders or persons to whom a fiduciary duty is owned by a 
financial service supplier, or to ensure the integrity and stability of the financial system (Article 49.2).  
 WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
Page 20 
 
 
  (g) Health Related and Social Services 
61. In the EU's GATS schedule, mode 3 for hospital services is unbound for six EU member 
states and subject to authorization or economic need s tests in a number of other EU member states.  
Modes 1-3 of other human health and other hea lth related services are unbound for most EU member 
states.  For social services, mode 3 is unbound fo r eight EU member states.  Mode 4 is unbound for 
some EU member states for ICTs and BVs and subj ect to nationality condition or prior authorization 
in others.  CSS is unbound in all EU member states. 
62. These sectors are unbound in FYROM's GATS schedul e.  However with an indication of the 
on-going reform process, FYROM indicated it would negotiate commitments after 1 January 2004.  
63. Under the Agreement, there are no national treatme nt restrictions on health related and social 
services in relation to mode 3 ("establishment" in th e Agreement).  Further, the provision of such 
services through other modes of supply was bound at th e existing level of restrictiveness and will be 
progressively liberalized within the prescribed transition period.   
(h) Tourism and Travel Services and Recrea tional, Cultural and Sporting Services 
64. In the EU's GATS schedule, for hotels, restaurants and catering, mode 1 is unbound except 
for catering for a number of EU member states.  For mode 3, seven EU member states have scheduled 
reservations on market access, e.g., requiring authori zation in order to protect areas of particular 
historic and artistic interest, for travel agencies a nd tour operators services, mode 1 is unbound for a 
handful of EU member states, while mode 3 is s ubject to licensing or economic needs tests for five 
EU member states.  In addition, for a few EU me mber states, cross-border provision of such services 
requires establishment.  Tourist guides services is unbound in modes 1-3 for a majority of the newly 
acceded EU member states, while modes 1-3 of other tourism and travel related services are unbound 
for all EU member stat es except Latvia.  For mode 4, ICTs and BVs are unbound for some EU 
member states, while CSS is unbound for all EU member states except for travel agencies and tour 
operators services which have been committed by a number of EU member states subject to 
limitations indicated in the horizontal section. 
65. In the EU's GATS schedule, for entertainment services, mode 1 is unbound for all but three 
EU member states, while mode 3 is unbound for seven.  Modes 1-3 of news and press agency services is unbound for most recently acceded EU member stat es, while in France, Italy and Portugal foreign 
participation in companies publishing publications is subject to an e quity ceiling.  For almost all EU 
member states, modes 1-3 of libraries, archives, museums and other cultural services is uncommitted.  In the case of sporting and other recreational services, modes 1-3 are uncommitted for a number of the 
recently acceded EU member states.  As regards mode 4, ICTs, BVs and CSS are unbound for a 
number of EU member states.    
66. In its GATS schedule, FYROM has full commitm ents in modes 2-3 for all subsectors of 
tourism and recreational services except libraries, ar chives, museums and other cultural, tourism and 
travel-related, and recreational and sporting services.  Full commitments have also been made in travel agencies and tour operator services as well as news agency services and sporting and other 
recreational services for mode 1, while news agen cy services are unbound for mode 3.  No additional 
commitments were made in mode 4 other than those listed in the horizontal section of its GATS 
schedule.  
67. Under the Agreement, there are no national tr eatment restrictions on tourism and travel 
services and recreational, cultural and sporting services for mode 3 ("establishment" in the 
Agreement).  Further, the provision of such servi ces through other modes of supply was bound at the  WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
 Page 21 
 
 
  existing level of restrictiveness and will be progressi vely liberalized within the prescribed transition 
period.   
(i) Transport Services 
68. In the EU's GATS schedule, maritime transport and inland waterways transport services are 
uncommitted in modes 1-3 for most EU member stat es (exceptions are some of the newly acceded EU 
member states which have in some cases, with th e exception of rental of vessels with crew which is 
not listed in the EU's schedule, made full commitment s in this subsector).  In air transport services, 
rental of aircraft with crew is unbound in modes 1-3 for all EU member states except Poland.     
Maintenance and repair of aircraft and parts thereo f, sales and marketing and computer reservations 
systems are fully committed in modes 2-3 in most EU member states (for the most part, the newly 
acceded member states have not bound these sub-sectors) .  Space transport is not committed in the EU 
GATS schedule.  For rail transport services, passe nger and freight transpor tation and rail freight 
agency and forwarding services are not committed for most EU member states.  Modes 2-3 of 
maintenance and repair of rail tran sport equipment is fully committed for the majority of EU member 
states, while pushing and towing services under rail transport services has not been scheduled.  In 
road transport services, mode 3 of passenger and frei ght transportation is either unbound or subject to 
reservations in the form of authorization or econom ic needs tests, while maintenance and repair of 
road transport equipment and supporting services  for road transport equipment are unbound in 
modes 1-3 for a number of EU member states.  Rental of commercial vehicles with operator under 
road transport services has not been scheduled.  With the exception of Hungary and Lithuania, 
pipeline transport is unbound for all EU member stat es.  Services auxiliary to all modes of transport 
and other transport services are uncommitted for a number of EU member states.  For mode 4, ICTs, 
BVs and CSS are for the most part unbound for most  EU member states except some of the newly 
acceded member states which have made commitments subject to horizontal limitations. 
69. In its GATS schedule, FYROM has, for the most  part, full commitments in modes 2 and 3 for 
maintenance and repair of aircraft, rail transport equipment, and road transport.  Support services for 
air transport are also liberalized for modes 2 a nd 3, except those which are unbound for all modes of 
supply.  In pipeline transport services, FYROM ha s full commitments under modes 1-3.  In services 
auxiliary to air, road and rail transport, FYRO M took a commitment without any limitation only for 
mode 2 with respect to storage and warehouse services and freight transport agency services (a 
commitment was also made in mode 3 for road  transport).  FYROM maintains MFN exemptions 
under Article II of the GATS for CRS and sales and mark eting of air transport services, as well as for 
road transport services to cover existing or fu ture preferential agreements.  No additional 
commitments were made in mode 4 other than those listed in the horizontal section of its GATS 
schedule. 
70. Under the Agreement, Article 50 specifies that  the provisions on establishment do not apply 
to air transport services; inland waterways transport services; and maritime cabotage services.   
71. The supply of inland transport services is governed  by the agreement between the EU and the 
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in trans port, which entered into force on 28 November 
1997, and which seeks to ensure unrestricted road  transit traffic across FYROM and the EU, the 
application of the principle of non-discrimin ation and progressive ha rmonization of FYROM's 
transport legislation with that of the EU (Article  57.1).  The agreement on transport applies to road, 
rail and combined transport including infrastru cture and simplification of formalities.  
72. In its Annex III, FYROM expressed its interest  in opening, as soon as possible, negotiations 
on future cooperation in air transport.  Moreover, Ar ticle 57.4 states the intention of the Parties to deal 
with the conditions of mutual market access in air transport through special agreements to be 
negotiated between the Parties after the entry into fo rce of the Agreement.  Prior to the conclusion of WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
Page 22 
 
 
  such agreements, the Parties agree not to take any measures or actions which are more restrictive or 
discriminatory compared with the situation prio r to the entry into force of the Agreement 
(Article 57.5).  FYROM agreed to adapt its legisla tion, including administrative, technical and other 
rules, to that of the EU existing at any time in th e field of air and inland transport insofar as it services 
liberalization purposes and mutual access to markets of the Parties and facilitates the movement of 
passengers and goods (Article 57.6). 
73. With regard to international maritime transpor t, the Parties undertook to apply effectively the 
principle of unrestricted access to the market and traffic on a commercial basis (Article 57.2).  This 
does not prejudice the rights and obligations under the United Nations Code of Conduct for Liner 
Conferences as applied by one or the other Party to the Agreement.  Non-conference liners are free to 
operate in competition with a conference as long as they  adhere to the principle of fair competition on 
a commercial basis.  Moreover, the Parties a ffirmed their commitment to a freely competitive 
environment as being essential to dry and liquid bulk trade.  In this context, the Parties committed not 
to introduce cargo-sharing clauses in future bilatera l agreements with third countries, other than for 
exceptional circumstances (Article 57.3).  The Parti es also agreed to abolish all unilateral measures 
and administrative, technical and other obstacles that  could have restrictive or discriminatory effects 
on the free supply of services in international maritime transport.  
74. Under the Agreement there are no reservations lis ted for space and pipeline transport, thereby 
effectively liberalizing these subsectors. 
(j) Other services 
75. Under its GATS schedule, the EU has listed so me beauty related services (i.e. hairdressing 
services, cosmetic treatment, manicure and pedicu re services, other beauty treatment services, and 
services related to the sale of equipment or to th e assignment of a patent) though with many unbound 
commitments in the four modes for most EU member  states.  Under the Agreement, no limitations on 
these sub-sectors have been listed. 
76. FYROM has not listed any other services not included elsewhere. 
E. REGULATORY PROVISIONS  
1. Domestic regulation 
77. There is no provision per se  in the Agreement on domestic regulation in line with GATS 
Article VI.  However, the approximation process also  covers measures governed by GATS Article VI.  
2. Recognition 
78. With regards to regulated professional activities of  Parties' nationals in the other Party, the 
Stabilisation and Association Council shall still exam ine and take the steps necessary for the mutual 
recognition of qualifications (Article 52). 
3. Approximation of Laws 
79. The Parties recognize the importance of the a pproximation of FYROM's existing legislation 
with that of the EU.  FYROM will gradually, and in two stages, make its existing and future laws 
compatible with the EU acquis .  Approximation was to begin on the date of signature of the 
Agreement and extend to certain fundamental  elements of the EU Internal Market acquis  as well as to 
other trade-related areas, according to a progra mme, with modalities for monitoring, and deadlines,  WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
 Page 23 
 
 
  which were to be defined in c oordination with the EU Commission.  During the second stage of the 
transitional period the approximation of laws woul d extend to all the other elements of the EU acquis .    
4. Subsidies 
80. The Agreement has no specific provisions on subsidies in trade in services. 
5. Safeguards 
81. In connection with the rules and commitments in Chapter II of Title V (Establishment), 
FYROM benefited during the first four years after the date of entry into force of the Agreement 
(2004-2008) from the possibility to introduce measures which could derogate from the provisions of 
Chapter II of Title V as regards the establishment of  EU companies and nationals of certain industries 
which were undergoing restructuring (Article 54).  Such derogations could cover industries facing 
serious difficulties, the elimination or a drastic reduc tion of the total market share held by companies 
or nationals from FYROM in a given sector or industry in FYROM, or in cases were new industries 
were to emerge in FYROM (Article 54).  No such  measures have been taken yet.  These measures, 
which shall not discriminate against the activities of EU companies or nationals already established in 
FYROM at the time of introduction of a given meas ure, by comparison with companies or nationals 
from FYROM, are expected to cease at the latest tw o years after the end of the first stage of the 
transitional period.  During the grace period grante d to FYROM, while devising and applying such 
measures,  FYROM was to grant preferential trea tment wherever possible to EU companies and 
nationals, and in no case treatment less favourable th an that accorded to companies or nationals from 
any third country.  Notification and consulta tion mechanisms involving the Stabilisation and 
Association Council were foreseen before FYRO M could adopt these measures, except where the 
threat of irreparable damage requi red urgent measures.  Upon the expiry of the fourth year following 
the entry into force of the Agreem ent the prior consultation mechanis m was to be transformed into a 
prior authorization mechanism in order for FYRO M to introduce or maintain such measures under 
conditions determined by the Stab ilisation and Association Council.  
82. The Parties agreed to avoid the imposition of restrictive measures for balance of payments 
purposes.  Where one or more EU member states or FYROM is in serious balance of payments 
difficulties or under imminent threat thereof, it ma y adopt restrictive measures in accordance with the 
conditions established under the WTO Agreement.  Su ch measures shall be of limited duration, may 
not go beyond what is strictly necessary, and shall not apply to transfers related to investment and 
repatriation of funds (Article 65).  
6. Payments and capital movements 
83. Chapter IV of Title V of the Agreement sp ecifically addresses current payments and the 
movement of capital.  Any current account payments and transfers between the Parties as well as the free movement of capital relating to direct investme nts in companies formed in accordance with the 
laws of the host country and in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement's chapter on 
establishment are permitted.  The free movement of capital extends to the liquidation and repatriation 
of capitals and profits,  to credits related to commercial transactions or to the provision of services in 
which a resident of one of the Partie s is participating,  and to financ ial loans and credits with maturity 
longer than a year (Articles 58 and 59). 
84. According to Article 59.4, the Parties may ta ke safeguard measures with regard to capital 
movement when payments and capital movements between the Parties threaten to cause serious 
difficulties for the operation of monetary or exchange rate policy.  WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
Page 24 
 
 
  85. During the first stage of the transition period,  the Parties shall take measures permitting the 
creation of necessary conditions for the further gra dual application of EU rules on the free movement 
of capital.  The Stabilization and Association Counc il is responsible for determining the modalities for 
the full application of EU rules on the movement of capital (Article 60). 
7. Competition  
86. Article 69 sets out the provisions governing co mpetition policies.  Three kinds of activities 
are defined as contrary to the proper functioni ng of the Agreement: i) agreements between 
undertakings, decisions by associations of undertakin gs and concerted practic es between undertakings 
which have as their object or effect, the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition;  ii) abuse 
by one or more undertakings of a dominant position in the territories of the EU or  FYROM as a 
whole or a substantial part thereof; and  iii) any public aid which distorts or threatens to distort 
competition by favouring certain undertakings or certa in products (Article 69.1).  Articles 82, 82, and 
87 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFU ) and interpretative instruments adopted by the 
EU institutions are used as assessment tools for any incompatible competition practices (Article 69.2).  
If a Party considers that a particular practice is incompatible with the common disciplines on 
competition and if such practice causes or threatens to  cause serious injury to the interests of the other 
Party or material injury to its domestic industr y, including its services industry, it may take 
appropriate measures.  In such a case, prior cons ultation within the Stabilisation and Association 
Council is required.24 
8. Government procurement 
87. Article 72 establishes a regulatory framework fo r government procurement (referred to in the 
Agreement as public contracts) and considers the opening-up of the award of public contracts on the 
basis of non-discrimination and reciprocity, in par ticular in the WTO context, to be a desirable 
objective  (Article 72.1). 
88. Whether  the companies from FYROM are established in the EU or not, they shall be granted 
access to contract award procedures in the EU acco rding to EU procurement rules that are no less 
favourable than that accorded to EU  companies from the date of entry into force of the Agreement.  
For contracts in utilities25, once FYROM has adopted legislation introducing EU rules, utility 
companies shall be granted access to contract aw ard procedures under the same conditions as above.  
The EU shall conduct periodic examinations to determine whether FYROM has introduced such 
legislation (Article 72.2). 
89. EU companies not established in FYROM shall have access to contract award procedures 
under treatment no less favourable than that accorded  to companies from FYROM, at the latest five 
years after the entry into force of the Agreemen t (i.e. 2009).  The Stabilisation and Association 
Council is to examine periodically the possibility of FYROM giving access to all EU companies in its 
award procedures. 
9. Intellectual property 
90. In Article 71 and its related Annex VI, the Parti es confirm the importance that they attach to 
ensuring adequate and effective protection and enfo rcement of intellectual, industrial and commercial 
property rights.  
                                                      
24 Appropriate measures may, wher e the WTO Agreement applies, only  be adopted in accordance with 
the procedures and under the conditions laid down thereby or the relevant EU internal legislation. 
25 There is no definition of utilities in the Agreement.  WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
 Page 25 
 
 
  91. FYROM shall take all the necessary measures to gua rantee, no later than five years after entry 
into force of the Agreement (i.e. 2009), a leve l of protection for intellectual, industrial and 
commercial property rights similar to that existing in  the EU, including effective means of enforcing 
such rights.  In addition, FYROM, within five years of the entry into force of the Agreement, 
undertook to accede to a number of multilateral conventions on intellect ual, industrial and commercial 
property.26  From the entry into force of the Agreem ent, FYROM shall grant to EU companies and 
nationals, in respect of the recognition and prot ection of intellectual, industrial and commercial 
property, treatment no less favorable than that gr anted by it to any third country under bilateral 
agreements.  If problems in the area of intellect ual, industrial and comme rcial property affecting 
trading conditions occur, they shall be referred ur gently to the Stabilization and Association Council, 
with a view to reaching mutually satisfactory solutions.   
IV. GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT 
A. EXCEPTIONS  
92. Article 61 contains an exception in case of li mitations justified on grounds of public policy, 
public security or public health.  Article 116 contains an exception for security exceptions. 
93. Under Article 64, MFN treatment does not apply to tax advantages provided by the Parties on 
the basis of double taxation or other agreements.  The Parties may also adopt or enforce any measure 
aimed at preventing the avoidance or evasion of ta xes and apply relevant provisions of their fiscal 
legislation.   
94. The Parties may take any measure necessary to prevent the circumvention of their measures 
concerning third-country access to their markets unde r the provisions of the Agreement (Article 67). 
B. ACCESSION  
95. The Agreement does not contain any specific accession provisions for third Parties.  
C. COOPERATION POLICIES  
96. Title VIII of the Agreement covers coopera tion policies.  It establishes cooperation 
mechanisms and sometimes sets lists of topics for cooperation in areas such as economic policy 
(Article 81);  statistical cooperation (Article 82);  banking, insurance and other financial services 
(Article 83);  investment promotion and protection (Article 84);  industrial cooperation (Article 85); 
small and medium-sized enterprises (Article 86);  tourism (Article 87);  customs (Article 88);  
taxation (Article 89);  social coope ration (Article 90);  education a nd training (Article 91);  cultural 
cooperation (Article 92);  information and co mmunication (Article 93);  cooperation in the 
audio-visual field (Article 94);  electronic communications infrastructure and associated services 
(Article 95);  information society (Article 96);  consumer protection (A rticle 97);  transport 
(Article 98);  energy (Article 99);  agriculture, a nd the agro-industrial sector (Article 100);  regional 
and local development (Article 101);  coopera tion in research and technological development 
(Article 102);  and environment and nuclear safety (Article 103). 
                                                      
26 Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Micro-organisms for the 
purposes of Patent Procedures (1977, modified in 1980); Protocol relating to the Madrid Agreement concerning 
the International Registration of Marks (Madrid, 1989); and International Convention for the protection of new 
varieties of plants (UPOV Geneva act, 1991). The Stabilis ation and Association Council may decide that Article 
71 shall apply to other multilateral conventions. WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
Page 26 
 
 
  97. In addition cooperation mechanisms in  justice and home affairs (Title VII)27 and, financial 
cooperation, which may take the form of financia l assistance from the EU, is addressed in Title IX. 
D. INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK  
98. Title X deals with institutional, general and fi nal provisions.  It establishes and defines the 
functions of the Stabilisation and Association Council (Article 108).28  The Council's functions are to, 
inter alia , supervise the application and implementation of  the Agreement.  It establishes its rules of 
procedures and has the power to take decisions that  are binding on the Parties within the scope of the 
Agreement.  When deciding on the transition to th e second stage, as provided for in Article 5, the 
Council may also decide on any possible changes regarding the content of the provisions governing 
the second stage.  The Stabilisation and Association Council has not yet adopted the decision on 
transition to the second stage.  It may also make  appropriate recommendations by agreement between 
the Parties and, as provided for by Article 111, se ttle disputes between the Parties on the application 
or interpretation of the Agreement by means of a binding decision.  
99. The Council is assisted by a Stabilization and Association Committee (Article 112).29  The 
Committee may create subcommittees.  In additio n, the Transport committee established under the 
transport agreement30 shall assist the Stabilisation and Association Committee.  Provisions are also 
made for a Stabilisation and Association Parliame ntary Committee that functions as a forum for 
members of parliaments of the Parties (Article 114).   
E. DISPUTE SETTLEMENT  
100. The Agreement does not contain a fully-fledge d dispute settlement mechanism but rather 
includes a number of provisions which allow Parti es to address matters concerning the interpretation 
or implementation of the Agreement.  In particular , Article 119 provides that if either Party considers 
that the other Party has failed to fulfil an oblig ation under the Agreement, it may take appropriate 
measures.  Before do doing, except in cases of spec ial urgency, it shall supply the Stabilization and 
Association Council with all relevant information with a view to seeking a solution acceptable to the 
Parties (Article 118.2).  No such measures have been  taken yet.  The Parties also agree to consult 
promptly through appropriate channels at the request  of either Party to discuss such matters.  The 
consultation mechanism has been used, in 2007,  in relation to the Commission's anti-dumping 
proceedings concerning ferro-silicon.  The clause on c onsultation shall in no way affect and is without 
prejudice to consultation provisions in Articles 30 (a gricultural and fisheries products), 37 (general 
safeguard clause), 38 (shortage clau se) and 42 (fraud) (Article 119).   
F. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER AGREEMENTS CONCLUDED BY THE PARTIES  
101. Article 12 provides for FYROM to begin negotia tions with other countries involved in the 
SAA process, no later than when at least one Stabilisation and Association Agreement has been 
signed with one of these other countries with a view to concluding a Convention on regional 
                                                      
27 This Title covers cooperation in  the following areas: the reinforcemen t of institutions and rule of law 
(Article 74), visa, border control, asylum and migr ation (Article 75), preven tion and control of illegal 
immigration, and readmission (Article 76), combating money laundering (Article 77), preventing and combating 
crime and other illegal activities (Article 78),  cooperation on illicit drugs (Article 79). 
28 The Stabilisation and Association Council consists of the members of the Council of the EU and 
members of the European Commission, on the one hand, and of members of the Government of FYROM, on the 
other. 
29 The Stabilisation and Association Committee is com posed of representatives of the Council of the 
EU and of the European Commission, on the one hand, and of representatives of FYROM on the other. 
30 The agreement between the EU and the Former  Yugoslav Republic of M acedonia in transport 
entered into force on 18 November 1997. Official Journal of the EU: L 348, 18/12/1997 P. 0170 – 0177.  WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
 Page 27 
 
 
  cooperation, the aim of which w ill be to enhance the scope of cooperation between the countries 
concerned.  Such conventions are to  be concluded within two years after the entry into force of at least 
the second Stabilisation and Association Agreement.  Article 13 provides for FYROM to engage in 
regional cooperation with the other countries concer ned by the Stabilization and Association Process 
and Article 14 invites FYROM to strengthen its  cooperation with countries candidate for EU 
accession.31  In that regard, a Co-operation Agreemen t between FYROM and Cr oatia, negotiated in 
2005, was superseded by FYROM's accessi on to the CEFTA in November 2007. 
102. The regional trade agreements in force and notifie d by the Parties are listed in Table IV.1.   
Table IV.1: European Union and the Form er Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia:  Part icipation in other RTAs (notified and 
non-notified in force), as of April 2011  
Partner / Agreement Date of 
entry  
into force Type of 
agreement GATT/WTO Notification 
Year WTO Provision 
EUROPEAN UNION  
Montenegro 01.05.10 Services 2010 GATS Art. V 
Serbia 01.02.10 Goods 2010 GATT Art. XXIV 
Cameroon 01.10.09 Goods 2009 GATT Art. XXIV 
Albania 01.04.09 Services 2009 GATS Art. V 
Côte d'Ivoire 01.01.09 Goods 2008 GATT Art. XXIV 
CARIFORUM States 01.11.08 Goods & Servi ces 2008 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Bosnia and Herzegovina 01.07.08  Goods 2008 GATT Art. XXIV 
Montenegro 01.01.08 Goods 2008 GATT Art. XXIV 
Albania 01.12.06 Goods 2007 GATT Art. XXIV 
Algeria 01.09.05 Goods 2006 GATT Art. XXIV 
Chile 01.03.05 Services 2005 GATS Art. V 
Croatia 01.02.05 Services 2009 GATS Art. V 
Egypt 01.06.04 Goods 2004 GATT Art. XXIV 
Lebanon 01.03.03 Goods 2003 GATT Art. XXIV 
Chile 01.02.03 Goods 2004 GATT Art. XXIV 
Jordan 01.05.02 Goods 2002 GATT Art. XXIV 
San Marino 01.04.02 Goods 2010 GATT Art. XXIV 
Croatia 01.03.02 Goods 2002 GATT Art. XXIV 
The Former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia 01.06.01 Goods 2001 GATT Art. XXIV 
Mexico 01.10.00 Services 2002 GATS Art. V 
Mexico 01.07.00 Goods 2000 GATT Art. XXIV 
Israel 01.06.00 Goods 2000 GATT Art. XXIV 
Morocco 01.03.00 Goods 2000 GATT Art. XXIV 
South Africa 01.01.00 Goods 2000 GATT Art. XXIV 
Tunisia 01.03.98 Goods 1999 GATT Art. XXIV 
Palestinian Authority 01.07.97 Goods 1997 GATT Art. XXIV 
Faeroe Islands 01.01.97 Goods 1997 GATT Art. XXIV 
Turkey 01.01.96 Goods 1995 GATT Art. XXIV 
European Economic Area 01.01.94 Services 1996 GATS Art. V 
Table IV.1 (Cont'd)
                                                      
31 FYROM became itself a country candidate for EU  accession after the Agreement was concluded. WT/REG129/5/Rev.1 
Page 28 
 
 
  Partner / Agreement Date of 
entry  
into force Type of 
agreement GATT/WTO Notification 
Year WTO Provision 
Andorra 01.07.91 Goods 1998 GATT Art. XXIV 
Syria 01.07.77 Goods 1977 GATT Art. XXIV 
Norway 01.07.73 Goods 1973 GATT Art. XXIV 
Iceland 01.04.73 Goods 1972 GATT Art. XXIV 
Switzerland – Liechtenstein 01.01. 73 Goods 1972 GATT Art. XXIV 
Overseas Countries and Territories 01.01.71 Goods 1970 GATT Art. XXIV 
Papua New Guinea 20.12.09 Goods Not notified a  
THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA  
CEFTA 22.11.07 Goods 2007 GATT Art. XXIV 
Ukraine 05.07.01 Goods 2008 GATT Art. XXIV 
European Communities 01.06.01 Goods 2001 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA 01.01.01 Goods 2000 GATT Art. XXIV 
Turkey 01.09.00 Goods 2001 GATT Art. XXIV 
GSTP 19.04.89 Goods 1989 Enabling Clause 
 
a The Parties are currently finalizing the pro cedures to submit the required notification. 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat.  
 
CEFTA: Central European Free Trade Agreem ent. Members are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav 
Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia and the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK). 
EFTA: European Free Trade Association. Members ar e Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland. 
GSTP: Global System of Trade Pref erences among Developing Countries. 
 
__________