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Macedonia Makes Progress on EU Path, But Challenges Remain

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

Strengthening Democratic Institutions

Skopje, Macedonia - The country has made significant strides in strengthening its democratic institutions and public administration reform. Following a deep political crisis sparked by wiretapping revelations in 2015, Macedonia finally implemented the “Pržino Agreement” and has made substantial progress in implementing urgent reform priorities.

Ongoing Challenges

However, more efforts are needed to fully implement the agreement and tackle remaining challenges, including:

• Reform of the public broadcaster
• Addressing corruption

Freedom of Expression

Macedonia has also shown significant improvement in its freedom of expression, with an improved climate for media and decreased pressure on journalists. Nevertheless, there is still work to be done to address lingering issues.

Regional Cooperation

Regarding regional cooperation, Macedonia maintained good relations with other enlargement countries and actively participated in regional initiatives. The country made decisive steps to improve good neighborly relations, including the entry into force of a bilateral treaty with Bulgaria. However, the “name issue” remains unresolved and requires urgent attention.

Economic Criteria

Macedonia has also taken steps towards strengthening its economic criteria, making progress in developing a functioning market economy. Despite ongoing challenges, such as:

• Weak contract enforcement
• A large informal economy

the country is moderately prepared to cope with competitive pressures and market forces within the EU.

Areas for Improvement

The report highlights several areas where further efforts are needed, including:

• Diversification of exports
• Innovation rates
• Investment gaps, particularly in public infrastructure

Assumption of Membership Obligations

In addition, Macedonia’s ability to assume the obligations of membership remains mixed. While it shows a good level of preparation in certain areas, such as company law and customs union, more focus is needed on administrative capacity and effective implementation.

Migration and Refugee Crisis

The country has continued to manage the effects of the migration and refugee crisis, negotiating with the European Union on a status agreement for actions by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. Macedonia has also made efforts to improve its legal framework and asylum system, but still needs to establish a return mechanism for irregular migrants and align its visa policy with EU standards.

Conclusion

Overall, while Macedonia has made progress in several areas, more efforts are needed to fully address remaining challenges and achieve its goal of EU membership.