The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday approved a new report on North Macedonia, reaffirming support for the country’s European perspective while calling for constitutional reforms and intensified efforts to combat corruption.
The report, drafted by Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz, was adopted with 40 votes in favor, 19 against, and 10 abstentions. It includes explicit references to the Macedonian language and identity, sparking objections from Bulgaria and prompting announcements of amendments ahead of the upcoming plenary session.
One clause urges EU institutions to “publicly and unequivocally” support North Macedonia’s inclusion in the next phase of accession talks, “fully respecting the Macedonian language and identity.”
An additional amendment, approved on June 24, underscores the “importance of clear recognition and respect of the Macedonian language and identity as an integral part of the constitutional order and European values,” describing them as “pillars of democratic societies and the EU accession process.”
However, it remains uncertain whether these formulations will survive the plenary vote. The European People’s Party (EPP) has proposed replacing “Macedonian language and identity” with “modern Macedonian language and identity,” a move supported by the Socialists and Democrats, Renew Europe, and the Greens, who collectively hold a parliamentary majority.
“Our approach aims to reflect the sensitivities of the issue and Bulgaria’s position,” said EPP coordinator Michael Gahler. Bulgarian members of the committee also requested their minority opinion be formally recorded in the report.
“I am proud that after two years we have an approved report on North Macedonia,” Waitz said after the vote. “North Macedonia belongs to the EU. After 20 years of waiting, we must maintain the positive momentum and continue the enlargement process.”