Brussels, 4 November 2025 (MIA) - North Macedonia's continued full alignment with the European Union's common foreign and security policy testifies to its strategic choice, read the conclusions on the country in the European Commission's Enlargement Package 2025 released on Tuesday.

"The authorities continued to work on the roadmaps on the rule of law, public administration reform and the functioning of democratic institutions, and the action plan on the protection of minorities which need to be finalised in an inclusive process," read the conclusions.

They add that further swift and decisive action is needed on the opening benchmarks, in line with the negotiating framework, with a view to opening the first cluster as soon as possible and when relevant conditions are met.

"North Macedonia should intensify efforts to deliver on EU-reIated reforms, in particular under the fundamentals cluster, notably to uphold the rule of law, in particular, by safeguarding judicial independence and integrity, and strengthening the fight against corruption and organised crime. Corruption should be addressed unabatedly, including through the strengthening of enforcement and establishing a solid track record in the investigation, prosecution and final conviction of high-level cases," read the conclusions.

The EC says the country has not taken decisive steps to advance in the accession negotiations last year.

"It has not yet adopted relevant constitutional changes including in the Constitution citizens who live within who are part of other people, such as Bulgarians, Conclusions of July 2022, which the country committed to launch. Bilateral agreements with neighbouring countries need faith by all parties, including the Prespa agreement between Greece and North Macedonia and the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation between Bulgaria and North Macedonia," notes the document.

In the general section of the conclusions, the EC notes that EU membership is a geostrategic investment in a strong, stable, secure and united Europe based on common democratic values, while investing in enlargement is also in the EU's strategic security interest.

"Enlargement is and will remain a strict, fair and merit-based process, based on the objective progress achieved by each enlargement country. This requires determination to implement irreversible reforms in all areas of EU law, with special emphasis on the fundamentals of the enlargement process," reads the document.

It adds that democracy, the rule of law and fundamental values will continue to be the cornerstones of the EU's enlargement policy. Candidate countries need to adhere to, and deliver on, demanding and lasting reforms, ensuring a permanent transformation of their economies, democratic systems and societies, which requires that the enlargement countries embrace transformational change, build trust and secure cross-societal consensus.

"EU membership is a strategic choice. Partners must embrace and promote EU values firmly and unequivocally. Alignment with the EU's common foreign and security policy is a more significant signal than ever of shared values and strategic orientation in the new geopolitical context," read the conclusions.

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