site.btaEU Council Adopts Conclusions on EU Enlargement in Western Balkans

The EU Council Tuesday adopted conclusions on the enlargement process, which will be discussed at the EU-Western Balkans summit and the European Council in Brussels.

The section on North Macedonia expresses readiness to convene a new intergovernmental conference as soon as the parliament in Skopje approves the expected changes in its constitution. The EU Council calls on North Macedonia to speed up the adoption of the changes and encourages all parliamentary forces to focus on reforms related to progress towards the EU and the negotiation process. 

The authorities in Skopje are expected to work for the rule of law, the fight against corruption, the improvement of the administration. There is a call on the country to continue efforts to improve fundamental rights, including for minorities, freedom of the media and freedom of expression.

The EU Council notes that good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation remain an important part of the EU accession process. The need to implement bilateral agreements in good faith, including the Prespa Agreement with Greece and the Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness and Cooperation with Bulgaria, is recognised.

In its overall assessment of the Western Balkan countries, the EU Council notes the importance for the countries in the region to implement European foreign policy decisions, including sanctions against Russia, the need to reform justice systems and to ensure the protection of fundamental rights. Irregular migration remains a key challenge, the conclusions add.