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DRAFT REPORT (2025/2254(INI))

On the 2025 Commission report on North Macedonia

AFET-PR-784260

Committee on Foreign Affairs · Rapporteur: Thomas Waitz

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This draft report assesses North Macedonia's EU accession progress, urging renewed reforms and EU support. It calls for constitutional amendments, electoral reform, stronger rule of law and anti-corruption efforts, and improved media freedom and minority rights. It welcomes progress in regional cooperation and EU alignment, and supports economic and energy reforms.

Committee position. The rapporteur proposes a resolution that supports North Macedonia's EU path but stresses the need for reforms, especially in rule of law and anti-corruption, and calls for EU action to unblock negotiations.

Key points

  1. Reiterates full support for North Macedonia's EU membership based on progress and fair conditionality.
  2. Urges the European Council to decide to move to the next phase of accession negotiations once conditions are met.
  3. Calls for gradual integration to benefit citizens before accession.
  4. Notes that bilateral disputes should be resolved outside the accession process.
  5. Regrets lack of constitutional changes to unblock the 'fundamentals' cluster and calls for stronger parliamentary oversight.
  6. Calls for electoral reform and implementation of OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations.
  7. Calls for stronger media independence, transparent state advertising, and protection of journalists.
  8. Calls for improved gender equality, protection of minorities, persons with disabilities, and LGBTIQ+ rights.
  9. Expresses concern over insufficient progress in judicial independence and anti-corruption, calling for high-level convictions.
  10. Supports economic modernisation, labour activation, and welcomes SEPA integration.
  11. Calls for investments in energy and transport, renewable energy, and better environmental standards.
  12. Welcomes regional cooperation and EU alignment, urging alignment with the EU majority in case of doubt.

Who is affected

  • North Macedonia's government and parliament, which must implement reforms and constitutional changes.
  • The European Council, which must decide on the next phase of negotiations.
  • Macedonian citizens, who would benefit from gradual integration.
  • Media and civil society organisations, which need a more enabling environment.