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EU enlargement reform and North Macedonia-Bulgaria relations

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2026-10-06 07:33 UTC → 2026-10-12 12:06 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The European Commission is advancing a reform agenda to address potential decision-making paralysis and democratic backsliding as the bloc considers enlargement. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos is set to present a package of legally binding safeguards designed to prevent new member states from weakening the Union. These measures, intended to secure support for enlargement among euroskeptical publics in countries like France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, could include the temporary suspension of veto rights and penalties for democratic backsliding regarding judicial and media independence. However, a group of nations led by Italy and Austria has resisted the proposal, arguing that such safeguards are politically unacceptable and prioritizing the integration of the Western Balkans. Expanding on these objectives, Commissioner Kos recently emphasized that the EU will prioritize integrating members that strengthen the bloc’s security. Speaking to EU foreign ministers, she stated that candidates must demonstrate strategic alignment regarding sanctions, energy, and infrastructure to ensure they make the Union stronger. She also noted the necessity of respecting the rule of law, particularly in the Western Balkans, where she observed a resurgence of nationalist tendencies. Regarding North Macedonia, the integration process remains tied to constitutional amendments to include Bulgarians. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has proposed a strategic approach to resolve bilateral tensions with Bulgaria, suggesting that constitutional amendments be passed immediately but only take effect once the EU ratifies the accession protocol. This is intended to provide a guarantee against future obstacles. Mickoski has also requested EU mediation in dialogues concerning the minority action plan to ensure the issue is not treated as a purely bilateral matter. Commissioner Kos has reiterated that fulfilling this constitutional commitment is a necessary condition for integration. Meanwhile, Bulgaria and North Macedonia have begun strategic planning for the Interreg cross-border cooperation program for 2028–2034, and the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers continues to monitor legal cases concerning the rights of Macedonians in Bulgaria.

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