Macedonia Makes Progress on EU Path, But Challenges Remain

The European Commission has released its annual report on Macedonia’s progress towards EU membership, highlighting both achievements and remaining challenges.

Achievements and Remaining Challenges

While Macedonia has made significant strides in strengthening its democratic institutions and public administration, it still faces hurdles in areas such as Roma inclusion and freedom of expression. Additionally, the economy needs to address structural weaknesses and improve its competitiveness.

• “Despite some progress, there is still much work to be done,” said a Commission spokesperson.
• Macedonia needs to continue reforming its public broadcaster, resolving the ’name issue’ with neighboring countries, and addressing issues related to freedom of movement and administrative capacity.

Media Freedom and Regional Initiatives

The report praised Macedonia’s efforts in improving its climate for media and decreasing pressure on journalists. Additionally, it noted that the country has been actively participating in regional initiatives.

• However, the report also highlighted that the country still needs to resolve the ’name issue’ with Greece, which has been a major sticking point in relations between the two countries.

Economic Criteria

Macedonia has made some progress in developing a functioning market economy, but key weaknesses remain. The report highlighted shortcomings in the business environment, including weak contract enforcement and a large informal economy.

• Structural problems in the labor market have also led to low activity and high unemployment rates.
• The Commission noted that Macedonia’s economy has made some progress towards diversification and higher-value added output in the manufacturing sector, but still suffers from weaknesses in education curricula, innovation rates, and public infrastructure investment.

Ability to Assume Obligations of Membership

Macedonia is moderately prepared in most areas, including competition, transport, and energy. However, it needs to make further efforts, particularly in areas where it is at an early stage of preparation, such as freedom of movement of workers.

• The report also touched on Macedonia’s handling of the migration and refugee crisis, noting that the country has made efforts to improve its legal framework and implement its Resolution on Migration Policy.
• However, it emphasized the need for a return mechanism for irregular migrants and alignment with EU visa policy.

Conclusion

Overall, while Macedonia has made progress on its EU path, there is still much work to be done to address remaining challenges and strengthen democratic institutions and public administration.