North Macedonia faces political controversy over secret EU talks and pending corruption case

The opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LSDM) accused Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski of holding secret discussions with the European Union, alleging that the government is negotiating European integration matters behind closed doors. LSDM leader Venko Filipče said the alleged talks confirm ongoing “under‑the‑radar” negotiations and warned that promised reforms have not materialised.

Separately, prosecutors in Skopje have set a six‑month deadline of 22 August to decide whether to file charges against former deputy prime minister Artan Grubi. If no indictment is issued, his house arrest will be lifted. Grubi is under investigation for alleged corruption and interference in judicial processes, with potential penalties of at least four years in prison.