EP-resoluties

In a resolution adopted on 24 October 2019 European Parliament stresses that both countries meet the requirements to start negotiations. Parliament expresses deep disappointment over the failure to agree on opening EU accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia at the EU summit on 17-18 October. Praising North Macedonia's efforts to settle difficult bilateral issues with its neighbouring countries, MEPs also welcome recent judiciary reforms in Albania.

European Parliament states that the "non-decision" by EU leaders is a strategic mistake, which damages the EU's credibility and sends a negative message to other possible candidate countries. It could also allow other foreign actors - whose activity might not be in line with EU values and interests - to engage more closely with both Albania and North Macedonia.

MEPs urge EU countries to act responsibly towards Albania and North Macedonia and to take a unanimous positive decision at the next meeting.

In recent years, the European Parliament has passed a resolution each year scrutinising the accession of the Republic of North Macedonia to the EU.

In the last few years, Parliament has commended the progress achieved, particularly in relation to:

• the adoption of certain laws and the high level of legislative alignment with the acquis communautaire,
• improvements in the electoral process,
  
• the greater recognition of the multi-ethnic character of the state,
• constructive role in regional cooperation,
• maintenance of macro-economic stability.
  
  

Parliament has also expressed its concerns about:

• need for constructive cooperation between the governing and opposition parties,
• political boycotts and lack of consensus in the parliament,
• loss of public trust in the institutions,
• implementation of the Urgent Reform Priorities,
• the freedom of media and merging of media, political and government activities,
• electoral law and the need to conduct the population census,
• the name issue.