EU ambassadors recently failed to approve the opening of the next chapter of EU accession talks with North Macedonia, highlighting the challenges faced by the country in its bid to join the European bloc. One of the key projects that could pave the way for North Macedonia’s integration into the EU is the construction of the ‘Corridor 8’ route linking Skopje and Sofia. However, the project has been marred by disputes, delays, and obstacles, with North Macedonia’s prime minister accusing Bulgaria of hindering progress on the railway component of the corridor. Additionally, tensions between the two countries have escalated, with disputes over the naming issue and a lack of commitment to the project on Bulgaria’s side.
The EU has implemented a new €6 billion Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, aimed at injecting investment into the region and fostering reforms to align the candidate countries with EU standards. Under this plan, countries must implement reform agendas to receive funding, with the possibility of funds being diverted to other countries if targets are not met. While Albania has been given the green light to proceed with its accession talks, North Macedonia still faces challenges in resolving disputes with Bulgaria and advancing on its EU path. The new Macedonian government is seen as committed to the reform agenda, but the success of the plan will depend on the country’s ability to implement the necessary reforms.
Corruption remains a significant challenge in North Macedonia and other candidate countries in the Western Balkans region. The EU has zero-tolerance for corruption and has strict mechanisms in place to safeguard its funding. The cash-for-reforms model aims to accelerate reforms in areas such as the rule of law, judiciary independence, and anti-corruption efforts. All Western Balkan countries, except Bosnia and Herzegovina, have submitted their draft reform agendas, with the hope that the first pre-financing payments could be disbursed by the end of the year.
One of the obstacles that North Macedonia faces on its path to EU membership is the need to mend relations with neighbouring Bulgaria, whose approval is essential for advancing the accession talks. Bulgarian lawmakers have criticized North Macedonia for blaming them for delays in the membership bid and have engaged in combative rhetoric. Each member state has veto power in the EU accession process, meaning that North Macedonia’s progress hinges on its ability to address the concerns and disagreements with Bulgaria. Former Bulgarian premier Boyko Borissov has called for consequences for North Macedonia’s actions and has criticized the government for its handling of the Corridor 8 project.
As North Macedonia navigates the complex path towards EU membership, it must address not only the challenges posed by disputes with neighbouring countries but also the broader reforms required to meet EU standards. The country’s ability to implement the necessary reforms and resolve long-standing issues, such as the naming dispute with Greece, will determine its progress in the accession talks. The EU’s cash-for-reforms model presents a unique opportunity for Western Balkan countries to accelerate their integration into the EU, but success will depend on their commitment to implementing the required reforms. Ultimately, North Macedonia’s success in joining the European Union will hinge on its ability to navigate the political and economic challenges on the path towards accession.
