European Union Ambassador to the country Michalis Rokas will today hand over the European Commission’s Progress Report for 2026 for Northern Macedonia to Prime Minister Hristian Mickoski. A joint press conference is scheduled to take place after the meeting in Government.
In the published report, the European Commission concludes that Northern Macedonia has made progress in implementing the Reforms’ agenda, but stresses that adoption of constitutional changes remains a necessary condition for continuing the European integration process.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said the Commission’s goal remains to open the first negotiating group shortly after the conditions are met.
It is now up to Northern Macedonia, Kos stressed.
The European Commission’s report for 2026 says no efforts have been made to adopt constitutional changes envisioned by the conclusions of the July 18th 2022 Council, which should include citizens belonging to other nations, including Bulgarians, in the Constitution.
The European Commission estimates that some progress has been made in judicial reforms, but the independence and financial autonomy of the judiciary continue to be undermined by the interventions of other branches of governance and a serious lack of financial and human resources.
No progress in fighting corruption has been recorded, and corruption remains widespread and a serious cause for concern. The Commission also stresses that changes to the January 2026 Criminal Code have not eliminated the negative consequences of changes in 2023.
In the field of democratic institutions, The EC estimates that political polarisation is slowing down the adoption of important reform laws, while in much of the negotiation chapters, progress is limited or completely lacking.
Notes are also made about pressure on journalists, insufficient human rights protection, and implementation of election recommendations. No progress in the area of freedom of expression has been recorded, and the public broadcasting service and regulatory body continue to face challenges related to financial and administrative autonomy.
Regarding good neighbourly relations, the European Commission calls for additional efforts to improve dialogue with Bulgaria and consistent implementation of bilateral agreements. The report also notes that members of the government and senior officials occasionally do not use the country’s constitutional name, which could negatively affect relations with Greece.