# North Macedonia EU integration diplomacy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-eu-integration-diplomacy
> Updated: 2026-10-23T12:08:58.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 4.

Bekim Sali, North Macedonia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs, has been actively engaging in regional and European diplomacy to advance EU integration.

At a Western Balkans Conference in Vienna, Sali advocated for an enlargement process that delivers “tangible benefits to citizens even before full membership is achieved.” He specifically called for increased opportunities for youth in education, professional training, and scientific research. To facilitate gradual integration, he proposed economic cooperation through Green Corridors, digital cooperation, and participation in SEPA.

Sali has also focused on bilateral and institutional cooperation. He met with Montenegrin Ambassador Zoran Miljanić to discuss deepening institutional ties through a 2012 agreement, focusing on public administration reform, legislative alignment, and the management of EU funds. 

During a visit to Brussels, Sali met with Seamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). Sali emphasized that integration must connect citizens, workers, and businesses directly to European decision-making rather than being limited to “administrative communication between institutions.” Boland expressed institutional support for North Macedonia’s membership, noting the vital role of civil society in the enlargement process.

Following these discussions, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos met with Sali in Brussels to address the country's progress. Kos urged the North Macedonian government to fulfill its obligation regarding constitutional amendments, describing them as the “critical step” required to advance the integration process without further political decisions. She noted that North Macedonia is at a “historical juncture,” emphasizing that progress depends on politicians meeting expectations and completing necessary changes in the interest of citizens.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-23: EU Commissioner Kos urges North Macedonia to adopt constitutional amendments

EU Commissioner Marta Kos met with Bekim Sali in Brussels, urging North Macedonia to adopt constitutional amendments to advance its EU integration process.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-commissioner-kos-urges-north-macedonia-to-adopt-constitutional-amendments

### 2026-10-22: European Economic and Social Committee supports North Macedonia's EU path

North Macedonia's Minister for European Affairs Bekim Sali met with EESC President Seamus Boland in Brussels to discuss EU integration, social dialogue, and the vital role of civil society in the accession path

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-economic-and-social-committee-supports-north-macedonias-eu-path

### 2026-10-15: Bekim Sali meets Montenegrin Ambassador to discuss EU accession

North Macedonia's Bekim Sali met with Montenegro's Ambassador Zoran Miljanić to discuss EU accession, regional cooperation, and legislative alignment.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bekim-sali-meets-montenegrin-ambassador-to-discuss-eu-accession

### 2026-09-29: Bekim Sali advocates for tangible EU integration benefits in Vienna

At the Western Balkans Conference in Vienna, North Macedonia's Bekim Sali called for EU integration to provide tangible benefits for citizens, especially youth, through education and trade before full accession

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bekim-sali-advocates-for-tangible-eu-integration-benefits-in-vienna

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Cite as: North Macedonia EU integration diplomacy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-eu-integration-diplomacy