Albania, Bosnia and North Macedonia must advance reforms
Brussels/Strasbourg – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia are on a good path to the EU, but they must continue to advance their reforms: This was emphasized by three country reports adopted by the EU Parliament with a large majority during the last plenary session before the summer break in Strasbourg. The rapporteurs for Albania, Andreas Schieder (SPÖ), and North Macedonia, Thomas Waitz (Greens), stated at a joint press conference that the broad support shows significant backing.
The “EU journey of Albania” began back in 2009, according to SPÖ EU delegation leader Schieder. The country is one of the “frontrunners” and is very eager to open and close many negotiation chapters. “The country is making great strides towards the accession goal of 2030, even though there is still much to be done.” The country report highlights the strong public support in Albania for EU membership as well as the complete alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy.
Progress is still required in the independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption and organized crime, as well as the protection of fundamental rights. The report was adopted with 502 votes in favor, 120 against, and 64 abstentions. “To close the opened chapters in the enlargement process, the economic model must be expanded, jobs created, and the social system improved. Additionally, a comprehensive and inclusive electoral reform must be implemented,” said rapporteur Schieder. He also emphasized that a “performance-based process is very important” for enlargements in general.
North Macedonia: First report since 2022
For North Macedonia, this is the first report since 2022, said Green rapporteur Thomas Waitz on Wednesday. The fact that it was adopted with a broad majority is an “important milestone” for the country, which applied for EU membership 20 years ago along with Slovenia. North Macedonia is a “reliable partner that is implementing reforms.” The Green delegation leader sees a need for improvement in areas such as the rule of law, anti-corruption efforts, and environmental issues.
Constitutional amendments for additional rights for minorities also need to be passed, he warns. The Parliament expresses in the report “deep concern that North Macedonia and other EU candidate countries in the Western Balkans are particularly affected by foreign interference and disinformation campaigns.” The report was adopted with 461 votes in favor, 121 against, and 107 abstentions.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Report condemns Dodik’s politics
The Council’s decision to start accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina against the backdrop of the changed geopolitical situation following the Russian invasion of Ukraine is welcomed by the Parliament. The deputies emphasize in the report the initiation of important reforms but express concern about the stalled progress and weak implementation. The report calls for the implementation of necessary constitutional and electoral reforms as well as efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, the rule of law, and to combat corruption and organized crime.
The deputies strongly condemn divisive rhetoric and secessionist politics, particularly those propagated by Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska, and the leadership of Republika Srpska. The EU is urged to act decisively, including targeted sanctions. “The developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina show every day that we must commit ourselves to peace, stability, and development, because if we let up, we could once again face war and destruction,” said the responsible rapporteur Ondřej Kolář (EPP). The report was adopted with 459 votes in favor, 130 against, and 63 abstentions. (14.07.2025)
