Brussels/Strasbourg – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia are making significant progress towards EU membership, but further reforms are essential: This was highlighted in three country reports approved by the EU Parliament with a substantial majority during the final plenary session before the summer recess in Strasbourg. Rapporteurs for Albania, Andreas Schieder (SPÖ), and North Macedonia, Thomas Waitz (Greens), noted that the broad backing indicates strong support.
According to SPÖ EU delegation leader Schieder, Albania’s “EU journey” commenced in 2009. The nation is considered a “frontrunner” and is eager to negotiate several chapters. “Albania is making commendable advancements towards the 2030 accession goal, although significant work remains,” Schieder stated. The report highlights the strong public backing for EU membership in Albania and its full alignment with EU foreign and security policies.
Continued efforts are needed in judicial independence, combating corruption and organized crime, and safeguarding fundamental rights. The report garnered 502 votes in favor, 120 against, and 64 abstentions. “To close the opened chapters in the enlargement process, it is crucial to develop the economic model, create jobs, and enhance the social system. Moreover, comprehensive and inclusive electoral reform is necessary,” Schieder noted, emphasizing the importance of a “performance-based process” for enlargements overall.
North Macedonia: First report since 2022
This marks North Macedonia’s first report since 2022, according to Green rapporteur Thomas Waitz. The broad majority approval represents an “important milestone” for a country that sought EU membership two decades ago alongside Slovenia. North Macedonia is a “reliable partner implementing reforms.” Waitz identified areas needing improvement, including the rule of law, anti-corruption initiatives, and environmental issues.
He cautioned that constitutional amendments for enhanced minority rights must be enacted. The report expresses “deep concern” regarding foreign interference and disinformation campaigns affecting North Macedonia and other Western Balkan EU candidate countries. The report passed with 461 votes in favor, 121 against, and 107 abstentions.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Report criticizes Dodik’s policies
The Parliament welcomed the Council’s decision to commence accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina amid the changed geopolitical landscape following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While acknowledging the initiation of essential reforms, deputies expressed worries over stalled progress and weak implementation. The report calls for necessary constitutional and electoral reforms, as well as initiatives to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, and combat corruption and organized crime.
Divisive rhetoric and secessionist tendencies, particularly from Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska, are strongly condemned by the deputies. The EU is urged to take decisive action, including targeted sanctions. “The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina underscores the need for commitment to peace, stability, and development; failure to do so could lead to renewed conflict and destruction,” remarked rapporteur Ondřej Kolář (EPP). The report received 459 votes in favor, 130 against, and 63 abstentions. (14.07.2025)
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