The European Parliament adopted three reports on Wednesday evaluating the reform progress of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia, urging governments in the Western Balkans to accelerate EU-related reforms, fully utilise the newly launched Growth Plan, and take a firm stance against foreign interference that threatens democratic development in the region.
Lawmakers welcomed steps taken by the three EU candidate countries but warned that political polarisation, corruption, and external influence — particularly from Russia and China — continue to hamper progress toward European Union membership.
Albania: Progress acknowledged, but deeper reforms needed
In its annual report on Albania, the Parliament praised the country’s continued full alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy and noted a broad political consensus and public support for EU membership. The report also welcomed Albania’s stated ambition to complete EU accession talks by 2027.
However, MEPs stressed the urgent need for intensified reforms, particularly in the judiciary, anti-corruption policy, and human rights protection. Enhancing media pluralism and transparency was identified as essential to strengthening public trust in democratic institutions.
The report highlighted ongoing political polarisation and confrontational rhetoric among political actors, urging authorities to ensure judicial independence and increase institutional accountability.
“In this term’s first report on Albania, we welcome the rapid progress the ‘accession front-runner’ has made over the past years,” said Andreas Schieder (S&D, Austria), the Parliament’s rapporteur on Albania. “Albania is a strong and reliable partner in foreign policy and has taken remarkable steps in justice, anti-corruption, and environmental protection. To reach its goal of full EU membership by 2030, it is crucial to keep up the good work by broadening the economic model, creating jobs, and improving the social welfare system.”
“A comprehensive and inclusive electoral reform is key. Albania’s future lies within the EU,” he added.
The report was adopted with 502 votes in favour, 120 against, and 64 abstentions.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Political crisis overshadows membership path
The Parliament reaffirmed its support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU accession process, following the European Council’s March decision to open membership negotiations with the country. Lawmakers welcomed this step as a strategic move in light of the shifting geopolitical landscape caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
While some reforms have been enacted, MEPs expressed concern over slow implementation and deep political divisions. The report called for urgent constitutional and electoral reforms, strengthening democratic institutions, and enhancing the rule of law.
It condemned separatist rhetoric from the leadership of Republika Srpska, particularly from entity President Milorad Dodik, and warned that such actions undermine the country’s sovereignty and EU integration prospects.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is in the most difficult situation in Europe after Ukraine,” said Ondřej Kolář (EPP, Czech Republic), the Parliament’s rapporteur. “The future of the Balkans lies within Europe, not under Russian domination.”
“Developments in BiH show us daily that peace, stability, and development must be defended. If we let up, we may again face war and destruction.”
MEPs also urged the EU to consider targeted sanctions against those promoting secessionist policies and destabilising the region. The report warned of ongoing foreign interference and disinformation, particularly by Russia and China, which undermine trust in EU institutions and democratic processes.
The report was adopted with 459 votes in favour, 130 against, and 63 abstentions.
North Macedonia: Reforms continue amid mounting public frustration
The report on North Macedonia praised the country’s ambitious reform agenda and welcomed the newly launched €750 million Reform and Growth Facility, aimed at aligning the economies of Western Balkan countries with the EU single market. MEPs urged Skopje to prioritise implementation of reforms in public administration, governance, judicial independence, and anti-corruption efforts.
Lawmakers expressed concern over worsening high-level corruption and declining public confidence in the judiciary, calling for adequate funding of oversight institutions and accountability mechanisms.
While acknowledging North Macedonia’s historic efforts, including a constitutional name change to resolve a bilateral dispute with Greece, the report noted that the country’s EU path has been hindered by further unresolved disputes and inconsistent reform implementation.
“Today we adopted the first North Macedonia country report since 2022,” said Thomas Waitz (Greens/EFA, Austria), the rapporteur. “North Macedonia has shown real commitment to EU values, including a historic name change and bold reforms. But its accession has been unfairly blocked for too long due to bilateral disputes, fuelling public frustration and disillusionment with the EU.”
“I call on all political parties to engage in constructive dialogue to reach the necessary consensus. This would strengthen the country’s multi-ethnic character and accelerate EU progress.”
The resolution also raised concerns about foreign influence, stating that North Macedonia and other EU hopefuls are increasingly vulnerable to malign interference and disinformation campaigns, particularly by Russia and China, often facilitated by regional actors including Hungary and Serbia.
The report passed with 461 votes in favour, 121 against, and 107 abstentions.
Enlargement momentum and challenges ahead
The reports come at a time when the EU is seeking to reinvigorate its enlargement policy amid growing geopolitical tensions. Brussels has signalled greater willingness to integrate Western Balkan countries, but insists that the process must remain merit-based, in line with the Copenhagen criteria of democratic governance, rule of law, and market economy standards.
The European Commission’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, launched earlier this year, offers closer economic integration in exchange for accelerated reforms, but progress will depend on the political will of both candidate countries and member states.
Despite the EU’s renewed focus, analysts warn that protracted accession processes and perceived double standards risk alienating citizens in the region and opening the door to rival powers.