No attempts have been made to adopt the relevant constitutional changes referred to in the Council Conclusions of 18 July 2022, the EC’s 2026 Report on North Macedonia’s progress says. Good-neighborly relations with Bulgaria are essential and dialogue with Sofia is needed, the document points out as well. The Committee on Historical Affairs is holding meetings but producing no results, according to the Report.
The document also says that in certain cases, the new constitutional name is not used, which may disrupt relations with Greece.
Positive developments are noted in the text in relation to the country’s strengthened efforts to meet the requirements of the Reform Agenda. The judiciary has recorded some progress, unlike the fight against corruption. Political polarization, meanwhile, is stalling the adoption of key reform legislation.
“North Macedonia has improved its preparedness, even though the handbrake on its accession negotiations is still on”, Enlargement Commissioner Kos said on Wednesday.