North Macedonia has made progress in implementing the Reform Agenda, but a key requirement for advancing toward the EU remains unmet: constitutional amendments. In its 2026 report, the European Commission says the country has made considerable progress with the reforms under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. However, the first negotiation cluster cannot be opened without amendments to the Constitution.
The annual progress report was published in Brussels on November 4 as part of the EU’s 2026 Enlargement Package. Among the areas requiring further steps, the Commission lists the rule of law, the fight against corruption, the judicial system and public administration reform.
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Constitutional amendments remain a prerequisite for negotiations
North Macedonia’s European integration process continues to be held back by the absence of constitutional amendments, which are required under the conclusions of the EU Council from 2022.
According to the European Commission, the country is continuing preparations to meet the criteria for opening the first negotiation cluster, known as “Fundamentals,” but the necessary constitutional amendments have not yet been adopted.
They would provide for other communities, including the Bulgarian community, to be included in the Constitution.
Brussels stresses that meeting this obligation is essential for accession negotiations to continue.
In the accompanying communication on the 2026 Enlargement Package, the European Commission says that stepping up work to adopt the constitutional amendments and meet the criteria for opening clusters is essential to the country’s progress toward the EU.
Corruption remains a serious problem
The Commission is also calling for tangible steps in the fight against corruption. Brussels’ assessment is that, although the country has relevant institutions and a legal framework, corruption continues to pose a serious problem.
The report notes no progress in preventing and combating this phenomenon. It calls for greater capacity in the responsible institutions and clearer results in handling cases.
The document also expresses concern about the independence of the judiciary and the prosecution service. According to the Commission, pressure and possible interference from other branches of government put the independence of the judicial system at risk.
A lack of funding and necessary personnel is also cited as an obstacle to the effective work of justice institutions.
Brussels is therefore calling for stronger judicial independence, improvements to the work of the prosecution service and more effective implementation of judicial reforms.
Strong results under the Reform Agenda
Among the positive assessments, the Commission highlights North Macedonia’s progress under the Reform Agenda, within the framework of the Reform and Growth Facility.
The country has made considerable progress in implementing planned measures and, according to the Commission, ranks among the top performers under this financial instrument.
The Reform Agenda measures aim to create more effective institutions, improve the rule of law and public administration, promote economic development and gradually integrate the country into the European single market.
The Commission notes that the public administration reform roadmap has been adopted. Meanwhile, work is continuing on the preparation of the rule of law roadmap and the action plan for minorities.
However, progress on these reforms must be accompanied by meeting the political and institutional criteria required for membership.
Further steps needed on public administration and institutions
Public administration reform also remains among the priorities highlighted in the report. The European Commission is calling for continued changes to create a professional, efficient and merit-based administration.
In addition to strengthening institutional capacity, reforms to improve transparency and accountability in the state administration must be implemented consistently.
The report emphasizes that membership depends not only on aligning laws with European legislation, but also on their practical implementation and the functioning of institutions.
Albania and Montenegro move forward as Skopje waits
The countries involved in the enlargement process are advancing at different speeds, a contrast that is becoming increasingly apparent.
In its 2026 Enlargement Package, the European Commission highlights considerable progress in Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine.
Montenegro has provisionally closed 21 negotiation chapters. Albania, meanwhile, has opened the last remaining cluster, advancing in its negotiations.
North Macedonia is continuing preparations to open the first negotiation cluster, but has yet to meet the condition linked to constitutional amendments.
As a result, the country’s progress on several reforms and alignment with European standards has not been enough to move the process into the next stage of negotiations.
The new report sends the message that North Macedonia can benefit from reforms and EU support, but moving closer to membership requires fulfilling its commitments, adopting the constitutional amendments and achieving measurable results on the rule of law and the fight against corruption.
Consequently, the country’s progress toward the EU depends on two parallel processes: resolving the political issue of constitutional amendments and implementing the domestic reforms required by the European Union.
