At a March 2026 conference in Skopje, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) highlighted a critical moment for North Macedonia’s EU path. While public support for EU membership remains strong, reforms must deliver tangible improvements to maintain trust, particularly within a narrowing “window of opportunity” for enlargement. Discussions pointed to largely procedural civil and social dialogue, calling for earlier and more meaningful involvement of civil society and social partners in policymaking. Persistent challenges include limited administrative capacity, delays in judicial reform, and gaps in implementing EU standards. Civic space, although broadly open, faces structural vulnerabilities such as unstable funding, smear campaigns, and pressures on media freedom, including SLAPPs. BCSDN contributed to the civic space session, highlighting the gap between legal guarantees and their implementation, particularly in ensuring financial sustainability and protection of fundamental freedoms. Read more here.
Source: BCSDN/ EESC