Draft annual reports on Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia were presented to the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), stressing that rule-of-law reforms are essential for EU accession. Rapporteurs noted limited progress alongside challenges such as corruption, political polarization, judicial independence, and weak implementation of reforms. Albania was urged to strengthen anti-corruption efforts, Montenegro was described as the most advanced candidate but entering a decisive phase, and North Macedonia was criticized for slow reform progress. The reports stress that legislation alone is insufficient without tangible results and stronger political commitment. After AFET approval, the reports will go to a plenary vote influencing EU accession assessments. Read more here.
Source: European Western Balkans