European Parliament backs North Macedonia’s EU path, calls for bold reforms

Call for swift progress on constitutional amendments and EU-related reforms

Concern over backsliding in the fight against corruption and judicial independence

MEPs urge action against malign foreign influence and disinformation

Welcome for new Reform and Growth Facility and ambitious Reform Agenda

The Foreign Affairs Committee calls authorities in Skopje to introduce constitutional changes and strengthen rule of law and fight corruption.

In a report adopted on Tuesday by 40 votes in favour, 19 against and 10 abstentions, Foreign Affairs Committee commends North Macedonia’s commitment to European integration, encouraging it to continue reform efforts despite political challenges and public frustration.

Accession depends on political will and consensus

The report underlines that EU accession is ultimately a matter of political will—both in enacting reforms and adopting constitutional amendments. MEPs call on all political parties in North Macedonia to engage in constructive dialogue to reach the required consensus, which would strengthen the country’s multi-ethnic character and accelerate EU progress.

Focus on reforms, the rule of law and anti-corruption

MEPs welcome the new €750 million Reform and Growth Facility, commending North Macedonia’s ambitious agenda. They urge a strong focus on reform implementation, particularly in public administration, governance, the rule of law, and anti-corruption. Noting worsening trends in high-level corruption and low public trust in the judiciary, they call for stronger judicial independence, more accountability, and adequate resources for oversight bodies.

Need to counter political polarisation and foreign interference

Political polarisation remains a key obstacle to reform, MEPs warn. They call for cross-party cooperation and for the inclusive revision of the Electoral Code, based on OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations. They also stress the importance of safeguarding future elections from malign foreign influence and disinformation.

MEPs express concern over foreign interference, especially from Russia and China, and warn of growing risks linked to opaque financial flows and coercive investments.

Media freedom and public administration

Finally, the report urges continued reform to ensure an independent and resilient media landscape, aligned with the European Media Freedom Act, and calls for modernising a merit-based, depoliticised public administration.

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The rapporteur Thomas Waitz (The Greens, AT) said: „Today we adopted the first North Macedonia country report since 2022 in the Foreign Affairs Committee. I am proud of all the hard work that went into finding compromises so we could carry this well-balanced report with a broad political majority. The EU must stand united with its neighbours in the challenging geopolitical landscape we face. North Macedonia belongs in the EU. After 20 years of negotiations, we must keep up the current good momentum to further advance the enlargement process.“

Next steps

The report will now be submitted to a vote in the European Parliament during an upcoming plenary session.