EU Expansion Hinges on Good Faith and Reform: A Focus on North Macedonia
The European Parliament has reiterated the importance of North Macedonia continuing to uphold its agreements with both Bulgaria and Greece, specifically the Treaty of Friendship, Good-neighbourliness and Cooperation with Bulgaria and the Prespa Agreement. This emphasis comes as part of a broader strategy for EU expansion, outlined in a report adopted on March 11, 2026, which prioritizes a merit-based approach to accession.
Merit-Based Accession: No Shortcuts
The EU’s expansion process will remain firmly rooted in demonstrable progress and adherence to core European values. The Parliament’s strategy explicitly states that no country should be considered as part of a package deal, and there will be no “shortcuts” regarding fundamental EU principles. Each candidate nation’s advancement will be directly tied to its genuine implementation of EU criteria.
Historical Accountability and Reconciliation in North Macedonia
A key area of focus for North Macedonia is the opening and publication of communist-era archives. The European Parliament believes this is crucial for fostering truth, reconciliation, and strengthening democratic governance. Full implementation of rulings from both national and international courts is expected, alongside adherence to international obligations concerning war crimes, missing persons, and a firm rejection of the glorification of war criminals and historical revisionism.
Potential for Reversal: A Two-Way Street
The EU is prepared to halt or even reverse accession negotiations if countries regress in their commitment to fundamental values. Progress in reforms is the sole determinant for resuming stalled talks. Nations lagging in democratic governance will face consequences, reinforcing the merit-based nature of the process.
Supporting Democratic Institutions
While maintaining a firm stance on conditionality, the EU also recognizes the need to actively support democratic institutions within candidate countries. This support aims to bolster stability and encourage continued reform efforts.
Geopolitical Significance of Expansion
The EU views expansion as a strategic response to the evolving geopolitical landscape and a vital investment in its own security, and stability. The strategy acknowledges the need to adapt the European integration model to better reflect the interests of the Union and the expectations of aspiring member states.
Reforms Within the EU
According to the report, internal EU reforms are essential to accompany expansion. These reforms include strengthening the decision-making process, potentially through wider use of qualified majority voting, and ensuring the EU can effectively function with an increased number of member states. These internal changes must be completed before leading candidate countries meet the criteria for membership.
Ambitious Timelines for Montenegro and Albania
Montenegro and Albania have set ambitious goals for concluding accession negotiations by the complete of 2026 and 2027, respectively. The EU will encourage these efforts, provided they are backed by tangible reforms.
Concerns Regarding Regional Progress
The report expresses concern over negative trends and backsliding on democratic standards in several countries, including Serbia, Georgia, and Turkey. These nations are identified as being either misaligned with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy or experiencing stagnation in their accession negotiations.
FAQ
Q: What is the main condition for North Macedonia’s EU accession?
A: Continued good faith implementation of its agreements with Bulgaria and Greece, alongside broader adherence to EU values and reforms.
Q: Can EU accession be reversed?
A: Yes, the EU can halt or reverse negotiations if a candidate country backslides on fundamental values.
Q: What is the EU’s stance on historical revisionism?
A: The EU strongly opposes the glorification of war criminals and historical revisionism.
Q: Are there internal reforms planned within the EU?
A: Yes, the EU is considering reforms to its decision-making processes to better accommodate future member states.
