Brussels, 18 March 2025 (MIA) — North Macedonia continues to demonstrate commitment to EU integration and alignment with EU policies, so the European Parliament will call for the swift advancement of accession negotiations while noting the importance of adopting the concerted constitutional amendments, according to the EP's Committee on Foreign Affairs rapporteur on the country, Thomas Waitz, in a draft report seen by MIA.

 

The EP "encourages all political parties in North Macedonia to engage in constructive dialogue to achieve the necessary consensus on these amendments, which would strengthen the country’s multi-ethnic character and accelerate its progress towards EU membership," according to the report that will be presented Tuesday before committee members.

 

EP lawmakers have the right to submit amendments to the draft report, so its final version to be adopted in May may include some changes.

 

The report reiterates the EP's full support for North Macedonia’s ambition to join the EU and highlights the need to maintain the momentum and credibility of the European integration process.

 

The EP "welcomes the new Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans which will provide EUR 750 million in grants and loans to North Macedonia" the report says, also welcoming "the continued stability of interethnic relations and the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement.

 

In the report, North Macedonia will be urged to intensify efforts to strengthen the rule of law and judicial independence, counter corruption, reform its public administration and improve the transparency and concentration of media ownership. 

 

 

The rapporteur notes that democratic institutions in North Macedonia work "satisfactorily" but political polarisation remains a stumbling block to necessary reforms.

 

The EP has welcomed the adoption of new rules of procedure by Parliament, but stresses that, while amendments to the Electoral Code have been made, the country still needs "comprehensive electoral reform," calling for the implementation of the outstanding recommendations made by the ODIHR and the Venice Commission.

 

In the report, the EP will call for a better regulation of the financing of political parties and campaigns, including measures to increase transparency. It will also call for continuing the modernization of a merit-based public administration, addressing systemic challenges of politicization and strengthening transparent recruitment processes.

 

It will also call for further steps to ensure the systemic accountability of public institutions through meaningful and public stakeholder consultations.

 

The authorities of North Macedonia will be urged "to refrain from opaque, politicized dismissals from, and appointments to, positions within independent bodies and agencies," as well as to ensure the adequate funding of organizations and the consistent implementation of decisions and recommendations.

 

The document will recall the need to reform the legal framework governing online and offline media to align fully with the European Media Freedom and it will reiterate calls for the comprehensive reform of the rules governing state financing and political party advertising in the media.

 

The EP will encourage enhancing the editorial and financial independence, impartiality and professionalism of public service broadcasters and media regulators. It will also note, with concern, "the continued threats and attacks against journalists."

 

"The assignment of a dedicated prosecutor to monitor attacks on journalists and the establishment of cyberbullying reporting mechanisms" will be welcomed in the report, which will also call for strengthened measures to support investigative journalism and media literacy to combat hate speech, disinformation and foreign interference.

 

 

Welcoming the country’s vibrant and constructive civil society, which plays a crucial and positive role in the reform process, the EP will note that, while civil society organizations operate in an overall enabling environment, legal and financial frameworks need to be implemented to ensure transparent public funding mechanisms.

 

The draft report seen by MIA expresses concern about the lack of progress in gender equality and the rise of antigender movements, urging the authorities to improve access to services for victims of gender violence.

 

"Interethnic relations remain stable and the Ohrid Framework Agreement continues to be implemented," the draft report says, calling for better funding and staffing for institutions protecting the rights of non-majority communities;

 

"Persons with disabilities continue to face significant barriers as the country’s legislation is still not aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities," it adds.

 

Welcoming the first court ruling on hate speech against the LGBTIQ community," the EP will call strongly for the systematic prosecution of all instances of hate speech, hate crimes and intimidation" and also for strengthening migration management, improving alignment with the EU acquis and addressing persistent challenges in handling regular and irregular migration.

 

Regarding the rule of law, the EP will point out, with serious concern, that the country’s track record in fighting corruption has worsened, particularly owing to Criminal Code amendments that have weakened the legal framework, resulting in the termination of many ongoing cases.

 

"The perceived level of trust in the judiciary remains very low," the rapporteur has noted, calling for the independence, transparency and effective functioning of judicial bodies to be strengthened.

 

"The lack of progress in preventing and fighting corruption and that financial investigations remain an area of weakness" is also concerning, according to the draft report, which calls for the operational capacity and cooperation of structures responsible for fighting organized crime and financial crime to be strengthened.

 

The EP will also call for the independence of security and intelligence bodies to be strengthened through appropriate regulatory frameworks and further efforts to be made toward building resilience against foreign interference and information manipulation.

 

 

Commenting on the country's socio-economic reforms, the draft report recommends North Macedonia continue to pursue steps to improve the business climate and infrastructure, strengthen education and digital infrastructure, and enhance social protection systems.

 

The country will also be urged to advance its digital transformation and "address the brain drain, especially of medical and young professionals".

 

"Additional efforts are needed to meet the targets for energy efficiency, renewable energy, security of supply and emissions reductions," according to the EP, urging the country’s authorities to align its environment and climate change legislation with the EU acquis and to ensure its enforcement.

 

The EP rapporteur for the country has also stressed the urgent need to improve air quality, strongly urging the authorities to step up measures on biodiversity, water, air and climate protection, and regional waste management.

 

The country’s authorities will be urged to step up efforts to upgrade transport and energy infrastructure and regional connectivity and to address persistent delays in critical infrastructure development, as well.

 

Regarding the country's regional cooperation and foreign policy, the EP will welcome North Macedonia’s contributions to regional cooperation and stability via its engagement in regional initiatives.

 

When adopted, the report will also welcome North Macedonia's continued commitment to Euro-Atlantic security and commend the country’s alignment with the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy as well as its full compliance with restrictive measures related to Russia.

 

In the draft report, the EP "praises the country’s commitment to nurturing good neighborly relations and its role as a model for the peaceful resolution of bilateral disputes through dialogue and mutual understanding" and "recalls, in that sense, that bilateral agreements should be implemented with tangible results in good faith by all sides, including the Prespa Agreement with Greece and the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness and Cooperation with Bulgaria."

 

Also highlighted will be the importance of consistent commitment to dialogue and cooperation with neighboring countries to foster mutual trust, according to the draft report seen by MIA. mr/