Skopje, 17 November 2025 (MIA) – The European Commission’s latest Progress Report on the country was in the focus of Monday's joint session of the Parliament’s National European Integration Council and the Committee on European Affairs. Addressing the session, EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas said lack of progress in ​​the rule of law was a major concern.

"Lack of progress in the area of ​​the rule of law is the biggest concern. There has been no progress in the functioning of the judiciary and no progress in the fight against corruption, for the past three years in a row," Rokas said.

According to him, the overall independence and the financial independence of the judiciary is undermined by the interference of other state branches. Unfortunately, he noted, this also includes attempts by the Parliament to put pressure on members of the judiciary to resign.

"The implementation of the constitutional amendments, which the country committed to as part of the EU integration, is also crucial. I count on your steps to move forward," said the EU Ambassador. 

He added that the amendments to the Criminal Code, in line with the EU acquis, are long overdue, pointing out that there should be legal predictability and the perception of impunity for criminal offences and other crimes should be avoided.

"The Parliament is performing its role effectively, but there is still polarization regarding delayed adoption of reports and some deadlines. It is in your hands to continue with the procedures for the election of the new Ombudsman and eight deputies," said Rokas.

He noted that ODIHR conclusions are also being taken into account, stressing that the drafting of a new Electoral Code is crucial while ensuring a transparent process. Rokas pointed to a general trend of slowing down of reforms, but good progress in science and customs.

"We welcome North Macedonia's efforts in foreign relations and in the EU's foreign and security policy. It is fully in line with the European Union, and we appreciate having such a trusted partner on our side," Rokas said.

Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani said the EC Report presents a clear overview of the achievements so far and the areas in which reforms need to be stepped up. He pointed out that the country maintains a stable and good level of preparedness in a number of key chapters, however the dynamics of progress must be more energetic, especially in the area of the rule of law.

Murtezani pointed out that the Government works with a clear political will to implement reforms, accelerate the adoption of key laws, and turn readiness into real results. He added that the Reform Agenda, the screening reports, and the Growth Plan provide the complete architecture for progress, and the task of the institutions is to ensure a clear rhythm and consistent implementation.

"The EC's assessment presents a multifaceted picture. On the one hand, the country's preparedness is assessed as stable and at a satisfactory or even good level, with gradual improvement compared to previous years. In several areas, including statistics, customs, free movement of capital, part of the economic criteria, information society and alignment with the EU's common foreign and security policy, North Macedonia shows quality that places it among the most prepared candidate countries in the region. This is the result of continuity in the institutions, as well as the intensified reform focus of this Government, especially in the area of ​​digitalization and economic policies. On the other hand, the dynamics of progress remain moderate and insufficient in key areas, which indicates that our preparedness does not always translate into results with the necessary speed," said the Minister. 

He stressed that European integration is not just a technical or administrative process, but a long-term state effort based on vision, institutional maturity and political perseverance.

"This Government has set a clear priority to speed up the adoption of the Criminal Code in accordance with European standards, to strengthen the institutional capacity of prosecutors and courts, to provide realistic conditions for proactive action by the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption, and to ensure that the fight against systemic weaknesses has a concrete outcome. Reforms in the judiciary are neither a technical nor a political undertaking. They are the foundation on which the European perspective stands, a measure of legitimacy before citizens and a key criterion in the process of opening and closing clusters and chapters," Murtezani pointed out.

Chair of the Committee on European Affairs, Antonio Miloshoski, said he accepts the EU Ambassador's remarks on the rule of law. As regards European integration, Miloshoski pointed out that the EP and the EC have always been allies of the EU enlargement process, but not all the member states.

"Ultimately, the decision on whether enlargement will be a priority is made by the Council of the EU, where two or three more influential members can decide that the process is not a priority. Today we are talking about the blockade by Bulgaria. But the first blockade came in 2018 by France, due to the new methodology. The big picture does not depend on Albania, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia. The war in Ukraine contributed to the enlargement being back on the agenda, and it turns out that the EU is reactively following the enlargement agenda," said Miloshoski. 

A top official of an EU member, he added, was quite clear in his statement that at the moment there is no consensus in the EU for new full-fledged members, and it is time to start thinking about some interim solution that would mean more integration, but without full-fledged membership, until such conditions are created.

"And therefore, what we are asking from the EU, and here I am not disputing the will of the European Commission, it has always been an honest partner, but what we are asking from the EU and from some member states is just more honesty," Miloshoski concluded. 

Photo: MIA