The European Council finally acknowledged North Macedonia’s reform progress, and its patience. Together with Albania, the country has received the long-awaited green light to start its accession negotiations with the EU. It has thereby passed significant milestones in both its strategic foreign policy objectives, having also officially become NATO’s 30th member.

What happens next? The European Commission will soon propose a draft negotiating framework integrating the revised enlargement methodology. But accession negotiations will last for several years, and will depend on the country’s further progress on reforms and compliance with the EU acquis. Meanwhile, what will be the effect of the European Council’s decision in the short term? How will these developments affect North Macedonia’s domestic politics, especially given that the coronavirus crisis has forced a postponement of the country’s snap elections? It is still a long road to EU membership.  

Minister Dimitrov will discuss these and other issues. The Briefing will be moderated by Corina Stratulat, EPC Senior Policy Analyst.