MEP Karlo Resler for EUpravo zato: 3 key points that separate North Macedonia from EU membership

How does the process of North Macedonia’s accession to the European Union look like, and what has marked its path so far? What are the biggest challenges, what is JPO, and how important is regional cooperation? These and other key topics regarding North Macedonia's EU accession were discussed with Karlo Resler, a Member of the European Parliament from Croatia, who belongs to the European People's Party (EPP).

"The EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) plays a vital role in strengthening relations between the EU and North Macedonia. As a platform for dialogue between the European Parliament and the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia (Sobranie), the JPC provides parliamentary oversight of the EU accession process.

Our work focuses on monitoring and encouraging the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, assessing key reforms, and exchanging views on the challenges and opportunities of North Macedonia’s path toward EU membership. The JPC also adopts recommendations that are addressed to key institutions in both North Macedonia and the EU, guiding policy and decision-making to align the country’s legislation, governance, and political framework with EU standards. By fostering cooperation between lawmakers on both sides, the JPC ensures that the parliamentary dimension remains central to the accession process. We believe that parliamentary cooperation strengthens democracy, enhances political accountability, and accelerates reforms necessary for full EU integration."

• What are the key topics currently being discussed at this meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, and what specific decisions or recommendations could arise from these discussions to further enhance relations and North Macedonia’s EU integration?

"The recently held JPC meeting in Skopje focused on key issues that shape North Macedonia’s EU accession, including judicial reform, the rule of law, corruption, and media freedoms. While progress has been made, further reforms are needed to strengthen institutions, ensure judicial independence, and combat high-level corruption. During our discussions we emphasized the importance of political consensus in the Sobranie to advance EU-related legislation efficiently.

Economic and energy cooperation were also central topics. In this regard we welcomed the EU’s €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans and stressed the need for investment in infrastructure and the green transition. Additionally, discussions addressed cybersecurity and digital resilience, recognizing the importance of protecting institutions against cyber threats.

The meeting concluded with recommendations urging North Macedonia to maintain reform momentum, enhance good neighbourly relations, and make full use of EU financial support. Finally, we reaffirmed that the accession process must remain credible, merit-based, and free from political disputes that could hinder progress."

• How would you assess North Macedonia’s progress on its European path, particularly in the context of reforms and meeting the criteria for EU accession, and what would you highlight as the main challenges in this process?

"North Macedonia has made steady progress toward EU accession, aligning around 50 percent of its legislation with EU standards and completing the screening process for negotiations. Its strong alignment with EU foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine, underscores its commitment to European values.

Judicial independence, the fight against corruption, and rule-of-law reforms require further efforts. High-profile corruption cases must be addressed decisively to strengthen public trust in institutions. Political cooperation is also crucial, as internal disputes must not slow the reform process. Years of stagnation and difficult relations with neighboring countries have tested the patience of the Macedonian society, as well as their trust in European institutions.

Economic modernization, public administration reform, and institutional capacity building are essential for sustaining progress. On the European side we must also uphold the credibility of the accession process by recognizing North Macedonia’s achievements and ensuring that enlargement remains a realistic goal. This is why it is important to continue reform efforts and maintain political stability and regional cooperation, as they are critical for advancing EU integration."

• In light of the current political and security challenges in the region, how do you view North Macedonia’s role in the broader context of EU foreign policy and the stability of the Balkans?

"Stability and security in the Western Balkans is more important than ever and North Macedonia has a key role to play here. As a NATO member and an EU candidate country, it has shown strong alignment with European values, particularly through its full support for the EU’s common foreign and security policy, including sanctions against Russia following its aggression against Ukraine.

The country has also been an active contributor to regional cooperation efforts, participating in EU-led initiatives such as the Berlin Process and engaging in dialogue with neighbouring countries to ensure good diplomatic relations. Its role as Chair of the OSCE in 2023 further demonstrated its commitment to international stability and conflict resolution.

At a time when geopolitical tensions are rising, North Macedonia’s integration into the EU is not just beneficial for the country itself but for the broader stability of the region. This is why we must continue with our support of the accession process, recognizing that a stable, democratic, and European-integrated North Macedonia is in the best interest of both the region and the EU as a whole.

(EUpravo zato.rs)