It is an established practice, not an act of ignoring the identity, Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule responded Wednesday to MIA correspondent's question why the European Commission once again avoided to use the adjective "Macedonian' in its report on Macedonia's progress towards the EU membership.

Presenting the EC report today in Skopje, Alexandra Cas Granje, Director, DG Enlargement B, said the act was a result of the EU's consistent approach.

Asked why she doesn't use the name - the Republic of Macedonia - Cas Granje said she would rather use the term 'this country' instead of the reference, as it might be irritating for somebody.

The omission of the adjective 'Macedonian' in the last year EC report provoked many political reactions in Macedonia. The leadership in Skopje filed a note of protest and urged Brussels for appropriate usage of the adjective 'Macedonian' in the report and other EC, EU documents.