Brussels, 19 February 2026 (MIA) - It is essential that all political stakeholders in North Macedonia, notably the Government and Members of Parliament of the ruling majority, recognize the renewed sense of urgency and start delivering tangible, convincing, and genuine results in core areas without any further delay. At the same time, the EU and its Member States must also deliver, including through active diplomatic engagement to help North Macedonia make progress on its own commitments, the European Parliament’s rapporteur on North Macedonia, MEP Thomas Waitz, highlights in the annual draft report on the country’s progress, which is set to be presented in the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) on February 26.

In the explanatory statement of the draft report, Waitz states that the report seeks to provide a balanced and objective assessment of the country’s progress in the accession process.

“North Macedonia currently finds itself in a difficult position, as the accession process remains at a standstill. Despite some positive reform steps, progress on the EU reform agenda - particularly in key areas such as the rule of law, judicial reform, and the fight against corruption - has been insufficient. This is attributable to the election campaign, limited capacities within the public administration, and a lack of sustained political commitment,” Waitz says.

The EP's rapporteur notes that no progress has been made on the constitutional amendments, due to concerns about potential additional bilateral blockades or demands from Bulgaria. According to Waitz, there is an urgent need for increased political will on both sides to move beyond this impasse.

He stresses that at a time of major shifts in the international order as Europe has known it - notably linked to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, unprecedented uncertainty surrounding the future of the transatlantic alliance, and broader threats to the rules-based international order - it is essential that Europe stands together.  

“Against this geopolitical backdrop, opportunities may arise to reinvigorate and accelerate the accession process. That process will, in any scenario, remain merit-based and firmly grounded in progress on the fundamentals, particularly the rule of law. It is therefore essential that all political stakeholders in North Macedonia, notably the Government and Members of Parliament of the ruling majority, recognise this renewed sense of urgency and start delivering tangible, convincing, and genuine results in these core areas without any further delay,” Waitz notes.

The MEP adds that advancing reforms in the rule of law is not only important for moving closer to EU membership, but also for building a prosperous and resilient state that serves all its citizens.

“A functioning rule of law and a predictable, trustworthy investment climate are prerequisites for sustainable economic development. It will also enable the country and its citizens to fully benefit from gradual integration schemes and projects offered by the European Union,” Waitz states.

At the same time, according to Waitz, the EU and its member states must also deliver.

“We must fully support the country, including through active diplomatic engagement to help North Macedonia make progress on its own commitments and overcome existing obstacles. As for this House, and as in the previous reporting period, I remain committed to fostering a stable, constructive, pro-European, pro-democratic, and pro-enlargement majority in support of North Macedonia’s EU accession. I look forward to securing the backing of all Members who share this strategic objective,” Waitz concludes.

The draft report must pass through all filters of the European Parliament before it is placed on the agenda of a plenary session, and it will likely undergo extensive amendments in the process.

The report voices full support for North Macedonia’s dedication to EU membership, but highlights the need for renewed political commitment, including for the constitutional amendments, as well as constructive cross-party cooperation and effective parliamentary oversight.

Regarding media and civil society, the report notes the need for further improvement on enabling free and independent media, fighting disinformation and involving civil society in reforms.

It states that the country’s general framework for fundamental rights is broadly satisfactory, but improvements are needed regarding gender equality, non-majority communities, rights of persons with disabilities and of the LGBTQI+ community.

In the rule of law, the draft report states that political polarisation, limited cross-party cooperation, and reduced public trust in institutions continue to affect reform delivery on different issues, especially regarding crucial rule of law reforms, for example regarding the judicial system and the fight against corruption.

On socio-economic reforms, the report welcomes the first steps in implementing the Reform Agenda but notes that more effort is needed, e.g. on labor market activation.

On the environment, biodiversity, energy and transport, the report welcomes advances on the Law on Energy and corridors VIII and X, but notes that more investment is needed in transport, energy infrastructure, and environmental legislation.

The report also commends North Macedonia’s role in the region and its alignment with EU foreign policy, while also calling for consistent commitment to dialogue and cooperation with neighboring countries.

Following the report’s presentation on the AFET Committee on February 26, negotiations will be held with all political groups in the March – April period. A vote is then expected to be held in the AFET Committee in May, followed by a vote in a plenary session before the summer break.

MIA file photo