North Macedonia’s path to compliance with EU legislation on the rule of law and investment protection

6.6.2022

Question for written answer  E-002045/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Massimo Casanova (ID)

North Macedonia’s compliance with legislation on the rule of law is being scrutinised more closely in the wake of the decision to launch accession negotiations. This is a key benchmark in assessing a country’s aptitude to become part of the EU. A reliable legal framework and the transparent enforcement of laws are a prerequisite for stimulating economic development, trade and investment.

Even though North Macedonia can boast of having a legal framework that is mostly aligned with international standards, its legislation is complex and opaque, creating a situation in which the rule of law cannot be relied upon. As regards trade, here poor transparency, lengthy procedures and court cases, changes to laws and procedures, as well as the costs of trade disputes create a context of legal uncertainty that discourages foreign operators and investors.

In view of the above:

Does the Commission agree that work needs to be done on improving the rule of law, especially in the trade sector, and has it provided for measures to support the Macedonian Government in making their system compliant?

What measures will it bring in to verify that goals have been reached and that the rule of law and international economic and trade agreements are being respected?