# North Macedonia EU integration efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-eu-integration-efforts
> Updated: 2026-09-11T11:00:47.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

North Macedonia is actively engaging with European Union members to advance its accession process. In Dublin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs Bekim Sali advocated for a gradual integration model, suggesting that candidate countries participate incrementally in EU policies and the Single Market to accelerate preparations.

Sali identified the implementation of reforms in the rule of law, judiciary, and anti-corruption efforts as primary challenges. Following these discussions, Sali met with Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar in Bratislava, where Slovakia reaffirmed its support for the European perspective of North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. The discussions emphasized North Macedonia’s commitment to a merit-based path, the Reform Agenda, and constructive dialogue with Bulgaria.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Slovakia reaffirms support for North Macedonia’s EU path

North Macedonia’s Bekim Sali met with Slovak Minister Juraj Blanar in Bratislava to reaffirm Slovakia’s support for North Macedonia’s EU accession and Western Balkan integration.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovakia-reaffirms-support-for-north-macedonias-eu-path

### 2026-09-04: Bekim Sali advocates for gradual EU integration in Dublin

North Macedonia’s Bekim Sali advocated for a gradual EU integration model during a Council meeting in Dublin, emphasizing geopolitical necessity and the need for judicial and anti-corruption reforms.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bekim-sali-advocates-for-gradual-eu-integration-in-dublin

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