Northern Macedonia and other countries need to step up reforms to join the EU

The European Parliament has adopted the first evaluation report on North Macedonia since 2022. While praising the country's efforts to modernise and its pro-European orientation, it strongly reminded that EU accession itself depends on the fulfilment of specific conditions. MEPs said the EU enlargement process should be based solely on merit and measurable progress.

According to the report, northern Macedonia has made progress in its preparations, for example through its reform agenda and its involvement in a new €750 million European programme. However, the European Parliament warned that it is not enough to adopt plans - what is important is their actual implementation. It paid particular attention to reforms in the public administration, the rule of law and the fight against corruption.

At the same time, the report expresses concern about growing corruption among powerful officials and low public confidence in the independence of the judiciary. MEPs therefore called for strengthening control, judicial independence and the capacity of oversight institutions.

As with other Western Balkan countries, Parliament warned of the growing influence of foreign powers and disinformation campaigns. In particular, the role of the Hungarian and Serbian governments in promoting Russian and Chinese interests in the region is a cause for concern.

Assessment reports were also approved this week for Albania (520 in favour, 120 against, 64 abstentions), Georgia (490 in favour, 147 against, 49 abstentions) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (459 in favour, 130 against, 63 abstentions). Each country was considered separately, while the overall EU line remains the same: progress will only be recognised if it is backed up by concrete results and respect for European rules.