In a recent statement that has stirred debate within European political circles, MEP Alenka Joveva called on the European Union to explicitly recognize the significant progress made by North Macedonia in its EU accession process. Speaking to the European Newsroom, Joveva emphasized that it is unjust to group North Macedonia alongside Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina-countries whose reforms and cooperation levels differ markedly-as the bloc evaluates enlargement prospects. Her remarks underscore ongoing tensions and the need for clear differentiation in Brussels’ approach to the Western Balkans, highlighting the complexities facing the EU amid stalled negotiations and regional geopolitical challenges.
Joveva Urges EU to Recognize North Macedonia’s Distinct Progress in Integration Process
European Parliament Vice-President and Rapporteur for North Macedonia, Klára Dobrev Joveva, emphasized the need for the European Union to acknowledge the distinct strides made by North Macedonia in its EU integration process. Speaking to MIA, she stressed that lumping North Macedonia together with Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina disregards the country’s tangible advancements and undermines its efforts. Joveva highlighted that transparency and clarity from the EU institutions are essential to maintain trust and encourage ongoing reforms in the Western Balkans.
- North Macedonia has implemented significant rule of law reforms.
- The country continues to align its policies with EU standards more thoroughly than some regional counterparts.
- Progress in judicial independence and anti-corruption measures distinguishes it from Serbia and BiH.
Joveva insisted that the EU’s messaging must be clear, loud, and distinct to reflect North Macedonia’s trajectory accurately. She noted that failure to differentiate the country’s progress risks stagnation and frustration among its citizens, potentially derailing the momentum built over recent years.
| Integration Milestone | North Macedonia | Serbia | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rule of Law Progress | Advanced | Moderate | Limited |
| Judicial Independence | Strengthened | Somewhat Strengthened | Weak |
| Anti-Corruption Measures | Robust | Developing | Insufficient |
| Policy Alignment with EU Standards | Extensive | Partial | Minimal |
Call for Fair Assessment Separating North Macedonia from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Allegra Joveva, Member of the European Parliament, emphasized in an interview with MIA the necessity for the European Union to acknowledge the distinct progress North Macedonia has achieved in its integration process. She argued that grouping North Macedonia together with Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in assessments fails to reflect the tangible reforms and commitments undertaken by Skopje. Joveva called for a transparent and differentiated evaluation framework that highlights North Macedonia’s advances in areas such as judicial reform, media freedom, and fight against corruption.
Joveva outlined several key areas where North Macedonia has outpaced its regional counterparts, urging EU institutions to recognize these achievements with clear, unequivocal statements. The European Parliament member pointed to the need for:
- Distinct benchmarks tailored to each candidate country’s political and social context;
- Public acknowledgment to boost morale among reformists within North Macedonia;
- Acceleration of negotiation chapters opening to reflect real progress instead of stagnation.
| Country | Progress Level | Key Reform Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia | Advanced | Judicial reforms, media freedom, anti-corruption |
| Serbia | Intermediate | EU dialogue, election improvements |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Early stage | Constitutional reform, political stability |
Recommendations for Transparent EU Policy to Support North Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic Path
In advocating for a more transparent and consistent EU approach, Joveva stresses the urgency for Brussels to distinctly acknowledge North Macedonia’s strides in reform and integration efforts. Unlike Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose paths to EU accession are fraught with unresolved issues, North Macedonia has demonstrated substantial progress in judicial reforms, alignment with EU acquis, and regional cooperation. A clear differentiation must be communicated to avoid lumping countries with varied levels of advancement together, which risks undermining the credibility of the EU Enlargement Policy and discouraging pro-European momentum in the Western Balkans.
To support North Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic ambitions credibly, the EU should implement the following measures:
- Regular, transparent reporting on specific milestones achieved, backed by independent assessments.
- Tailored policy frameworks recognizing the unique challenges and progress of each candidate state.
- Enhanced communication strategies that publicly highlight successes to maintain domestic and regional confidence.
Such policy clarity fosters trust not only in the accession process itself but also in the EU’s commitment to a unified and stable Europe.
| Policy Element | North Macedonia | Serbia & Bosnia and Herzegovina |
|---|---|---|
| Judicial Reform | Significant Progress | Ongoing Challenges |
| EU Acquis Alignment | Advanced | Partial |
| Regional Cooperation | Active & Positive | Mixed |
| EU Communication | Needs Amplification | More Cautious |
Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, Joveva’s call underscores a growing consensus within the European Union that North Macedonia’s achievements in reforms and cooperation deserve distinct recognition. As debates continue over the bloc’s enlargement prospects, distinguishing North Macedonia’s progress from that of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina could pave the way for a more nuanced and fair approach. The EU’s response to this plea will be a crucial indicator of its commitment to supporting genuine reform and fostering stability in the Western Balkans.
