Albania and North Macedonia began their EU integration journey almost in parallel, yet their trajectories have taken slightly different shapes in recent years. Both countries opened negotiations with the European Union in 2022 after years of delays caused mainly by bilateral disputes and internal EU hesitations. However, while Albania has made consistent progress in administrative reforms, North Macedonia continues to face political and constitutional hurdles.
Mickoski’s Reaction to the EU Report
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski described the latest European Commission Progress Report as “generally positive” for North Macedonia but expressed disagreement with the ranking that places other Western Balkan countries ahead of Skopje.
“We are far ahead of Albania when the real situation of the countries is analyzed — who is ready and who is not. Objectively, Montenegro comes first, then we and Serbia, followed by Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo,” Mickoski stated.
His comments reflect frustration with what the government views as uneven evaluation standards by Brussels, especially after North Macedonia fulfilled the conditions for starting negotiations yet remains slowed by the unresolved constitutional amendments issue tied to Bulgaria’s demands.
Stagnation in Key Sectors
Mickoski acknowledged stagnation in several critical areas, particularly rule of law and anti-corruption efforts — both essential benchmarks for EU progress.
“That’s why I constantly emphasize the need for changes in the Judicial Council, the Prosecutor’s Office, and other institutions. After the elections, we will dedicate ourselves much more seriously to these reforms,” he added.
Despite such pledges, Brussels has repeatedly noted that reforms remain formal rather than structural, with politicization of the judiciary and clientelism in public administration still persistent.
Constitutional Amendments and the Risk of a New Veto
The most significant obstacle for North Macedonia remains the constitutional amendments to include Bulgarians as a recognized minority — a step required to unblock the negotiation process. Mickoski, however, expressed skepticism about the usefulness of making such changes if the EU process remains politically uncertain.
“We can make the amendments, be the best, and still face another veto and new problems. Then we’ll surely get an A+ and be the champions,” he said ironically.
This statement reveals a growing disillusionment with the EU’s credibility among Macedonian leaders and the public.
Albania’s Parallel Progress
In contrast, Albania’s political scene has shown greater cohesion in pursuing EU goals. Under Prime Minister Edi Rama, the government has managed to maintain a steady dialogue with Brussels, implementing justice reforms and vetting processes that, despite internal controversies, have been welcomed by the EU as structural progress.
Brussels’ latest report highlighted Albania’s advances in judicial reforms, digital governance, and public administration modernization, though it also flagged corruption and media freedom as ongoing concerns.
Political Stability and Institutional Functioning
North Macedonia’s fragile coalitions and ethnopolitical balance often hinder continuity in reforms, while Albania’s centralized governance allows faster decision-making, albeit with less institutional pluralism.
The Macedonian government is currently preoccupied with internal coalition negotiations. Mickoski announced that while there will be no cabinet reshuffle for now, vacant ministerial posts left by Izet Mexhiti’s departure will be filled soon:
“The final decision will be mine as Prime Minister-designate,” he confirmed, noting that VMRO-DPMNE is focused on its party congress scheduled for 6 December in Kavadarci, after which personnel adjustments in the government are expected.
While both countries remain EU candidates at similar stages, their domestic dynamics shape their progress differently.
-
Albania benefits from political stability and policy continuity, which translates into smoother implementation of EU-related reforms.
-
North Macedonia, despite a stronger early record in meeting EU standards, now faces political fragmentation, constitutional dilemmas, and reform fatigue.
As the EU recalibrates its enlargement approach, the race between Skopje and Tirana continues — less about who joins first, and more about who can sustain genuine, irreversible reform momentum.