Kaja Kallas urges North Macedonia to make critical reforms for EU access
- Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, visited Skopje to discuss North Macedonia's EU membership.
- The key focus was on necessary constitutional reforms to recognize a Bulgarian minority as required by Bulgaria.
- Kallas emphasized that North Macedonia's progress in the EU membership process relies on these reforms.
In a significant diplomatic visit to Skopje, North Macedonia, on May 23, 2025, Kaja Kallas, the European Union's foreign policy chief, emphasized the importance of making immediate and substantial reforms to propel North Macedonia's EU membership aspirations. Kallas asserted that the European bloc remains steadfast in its support but indicated that tangible progress hinges on domestic reforms within North Macedonia. A pivotal requirement involves constitutional amendments to formally recognize a Bulgarian minority, a vital condition set by Bulgaria which has thus far blocked North Macedonia's accession efforts due to historical and cultural disputes. Kallas pointed out that this constitutional change has become a contentious issue in North Macedonia, highlighting the resistance from the conservative government, led by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. The Prime Minister reiterated his stance that EU membership should be prioritized over bilateral disagreements, stressing that Bulgaria's approval is paramount before any constitutional adjustments can be considered. The region's geopolitical climate, exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine, has rekindled EU interest in aiding accession processes, particularly for Western Balkan countries. Historically, the EU has not welcomed any new members since Croatia's accession in 2013, positioning North Macedonia and Albania in a complex negotiation landscape. Although talks officially commenced in 2022, prolonged delays caused chiefly by Bulgaria's veto continue to stymie North Macedonia's path to EU integration. During her visit, Kallas implored North Macedonia to pursue reforms aimed at enhancing the rule of law, combatting corruption, and modernizing public administration, stressing that integration into the EU remains a crucial strategy for regional peace and security. While Albania has advanced in the negotiation process, North Macedonia faces political complications that may hinder its membership ambitions. The Prime Minister insists on fair treatment from the EU and emphasizes the country's successful democracy built on European values. Kallas’s visit is part of a wider regional tour, highlighting the EU's commitment to engaging with six nations at different stages of EU accession, with North Macedonia being one of the countries needing additional support to move forward.