Need for rule of law and anti-corruption reforms

Constitutional amendments stalled

Continued alignment with EU foreign policy

Foreign Affairs Committee MEPs warn that North Macedonia’s EU reform progress is insufficient, especially on the rule of law, judicial reform and the fight against corruption.

In the report adopted by the Committee on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, MEPs underline their full support for North Macedonia’s commitment to EU membership, stressing that progress on accession negotiations continues to depend on lasting and in-depth reforms. They regret the lack of progress since the last report and stress that renewed political commitment and cross-party cooperation are urgently needed, not least to adopt the necessary constitutional amendments that would allow the opening of the first negotiation cluster.

Political polarisation

While the country’s democratic institutions continue to function satisfactorily, political polarisation is ongoing and continues to delay key reforms and appointments, says the report. The MEPs urge all political parties to move beyond heated rhetoric and cooperate on advancing the country’s European trajectory. They also note that comprehensive electoral reform is overdue.

Rule of law and foreign interference

Expressing concern over insufficient progress on judicial independence and anti-corruption efforts, the MEPs warn that corruption remains prevalent across many areas and point to the gap between investigations announced and final convictions in high-level corruption cases. They underline that sustainable economic growth depends on strengthening the rule of law and judicial predictability.

The MEPs also warn of coordinated attempts to manipulate the information environment and undermine trust in democratic institutions and the country’s European future through malign foreign interference and disinformation campaigns.

At the same time, they commend North Macedonia’s strong alignment with the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy.

Quote

The rapporteur Thomas Waitz (Greens, Austria) said: "I am glad that the AFET Committee has adopted the North Macedonia country report at this crucial time for EU enlargement. The country has recently taken important reform steps and it is essential that the government continues these efforts and remains firmly on the path towards EU integration. North Macedonia’s future lies within the European Union."

The report was adopted by 43 votes in favour and 17 against, with 13 abstentions.

Next steps

The report will now be tabled for a vote in the European Parliament as a whole.