The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) on Monday adopted a report on North Macedonia, calling on the country to proceed with constitutional amendments and continue key reforms amid political tensions and public discontent.
The report passed with 40 votes in favour, 19 against, and 10 abstentions. It will be submitted for a vote in an upcoming plenary session of the European Parliament.
The committee praised North Macedonia’s continued commitment to the EU path but warned that progress depends on “political will – both in enacting reforms and adopting constitutional amendments.”
David McAllister, Chair of the AFET, noted that the vote had previously been postponed following controversy over the report’s drafting. He condemned personal attacks against rapporteur Thomas Waitz, who had faced criticism from Bulgarian MEPs and politicians.
Earlier this month, all 17 Bulgarian MEPs signed a letter denouncing Waitz, accusing him of bias and alleging he withheld details of meetings with North Macedonian officials. Waitz denied the allegations, telling Politico he was targeted for resisting Bulgarian pressure. He also revealed receiving threats after his phone number was leaked on far-right Bulgarian social media.
Waitz, a Green MEP, defended the report as “well-balanced,” adding: “North Macedonia belongs in the EU. After 20 years of negotiations, we must maintain momentum to advance the enlargement process.”
The report highlights persistent political polarisation in North Macedonia as a key barrier to reform and urges all parties to engage in constructive dialogue. It also welcomes the EU’s new €750 million Reform and Growth Facility, calling for strong implementation, particularly in public administration, governance, the rule of law, and anti-corruption.
MEPs raised concerns over high-level corruption, low public trust in the judiciary, and foreign interference, notably from Russia and China. They also warned of opaque financial flows and coercive investments undermining democratic resilience.
The report calls for strengthened judicial independence, accountability, and improved resources for oversight institutions. It further urges reforms to build a depoliticised, merit-based public administration and to secure an independent media landscape in line with the European Media Freedom Act.