EU Enlargement Strategy Focuses on Merit, North Macedonia Treaty Compliance

The European Parliament has adopted a strategy for EU enlargement that emphasizes a merit-based approach, linking progress to the fulfillment of EU criteria and values. The strategy highlights the importance of continued implementation of existing treaties by North Macedonia, specifically the Treaty of Friendship, Great Neighborliness and Cooperation with Bulgaria, and the Prespa Agreement with Greece [BGNES].

Merit-Based Accession Process

MEPs stressed that no country should be fast-tracked into the EU and that adherence to core principles is paramount. The enlargement process will be reversible, with accession talks potentially frozen or rolled back if countries deviate from EU values [BGNES]. A merit-based approach means progress on reforms is essential for continued negotiations.

Opening Communist Archives in North Macedonia

The European Parliament specifically called for the opening and publication of communist-era archives in North Macedonia. This is intended to promote truth, reconciliation, and strengthen democratic governance [BGNES]. The resolution similarly emphasizes the full implementation of court decisions, adherence to international obligations regarding war crimes and missing persons, and a rejection of the glorification of war criminals and historical revisionism.

Geopolitical Context and Internal EU Reforms

The EU views enlargement as a strategic response to the evolving geopolitical landscape and a key investment in its own security and stability [BGNES]. MEP Petras Auštrevičius, the report’s author, emphasized the need to improve the European integration model to better serve the interests of both the EU and candidate countries.

The strategy also acknowledges the need for internal EU reforms, including greater use of qualified majority voting, to ensure the Union functions effectively as it expands. These reforms should be completed before leading candidate countries are ready to join [BGNES].

Progress and Concerns Among Candidate Countries

Montenegro and Albania have set targets for completing membership negotiations by 2026 and 2027, respectively, and the EU is encouraged to support their efforts when backed by genuine reforms [BGNES]. However, the report expresses concern over democratic backsliding in countries with the least alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, and those with stalled negotiations, including Serbia, Georgia, and Turkey [BGNES].