The European Parliament adopted three country reports on July 9, stressing the urgent need for reforms in Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina and North Macedonia, while also calling for effective use of the EU’s Growth Plan and stronger resistance to foreign interference across the Western Balkans.

The three reports send a clear signal that while the EU remains committed to the enlargement process, candidate countries must deliver on reforms and defend against external threats, with MEPs warning that democratic backsliding and geopolitical vulnerabilities could stall progress across the region.

The parliament acknowledged Albania’s strong public support for EU integration and its full alignment with EU foreign and security policy. MEPs welcomed the country’s goal of completing accession negotiations by 2027 but said that key reforms must be accelerated, particularly in the judiciary, anti-corruption efforts and protection of fundamental rights.

Media pluralism and transparency were highlighted as crucial for building public trust. The report also noted political polarisation and urged more inclusive dialogue.

“Albania is a strong and reliable partner in foreign policy... To reach its goal of full EU membership by 2030, it is crucial to broaden the economic model, create jobs and implement electoral reform,” said rapporteur Andreas Schieder.

Regarding Bosnia, the European Parliament reaffirmed its support for the country’s EU accession bid, welcoming the opening of negotiations by the European Council. However, MEPs warned of stalled progress, weak reform implementation, and persistent threats to the country’s unity and territorial integrity.

The report strongly condemned the secessionist rhetoric of Republika Srpska leader Milorad Dodik, calling for targeted EU sanctions. It also raised alarm over foreign interference, particularly by Russia and China, and called for action to counter disinformation campaigns that undermine EU trust.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina is in the most difficult situation in Europe after Ukraine... we must strive for peace, stability, and development,” said rapporteur Ondřej Kolář.

The European Parliament acknowledged North Macedonia’s progress and welcomed the newly launched €750mn Reform and Growth Facility. However, MEPs urged the country to focus on tangible reforms in public administration, governance, the rule of law, and anti-corruption.

The report expressed deep concern over increasing high-level corruption, low trust in the judiciary, and insufficient resources for oversight institutions. It also highlighted intensifying foreign interference, particularly from Russia and China, with the involvement of the Hungarian and Serbian governments.

“North Macedonia has been a frontrunner in the region... but its accession has been unfairly blocked due to bilateral disputes, fuelling frustration and disillusionment,” said rapporteur Thomas Waitz.

However, a controversy erupted during the debate on North Macedonia’s report, as Bulgarian MEPs proposed amendments to remove references to the “Macedonian language and identity” from the report, which were approved, sparking political tension.

Bulgaria, which does not recognise the Macedonian language and identity, lifted its veto on North Macedonia’s EU path in 2022 but imposed a condition for the country on its EU’s path: the inclusion of the small ethnic Bulgarian community in the country’s constitution. However, the government led by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski fears that this may not be Bulgaria’s final condition for EU accession.

At a news conference after the vote, North Macedonia’s prime minister stated: “With today’s vote, the truth has come to the surface. The EU has clearly shown what it expects from Macedonia — conditions not applied to any other candidate country.”

While reaffirming the country’s commitment to reform and EU integration, the prime minister called for mutual respect from Bulgaria, noting that although Bulgaria was the first to recognise Macedonian independence as a state in 1990, it continues to deny the Macedonian nation and language.

Although Albania and North Macedonia were initially coupled in the EU integration process, the European Union formally decoupled the two countries in September 2024, due to ongoing disputes between North Macedonia and Bulgaria. As a result, the EU proceeded to open negotiations on Cluster 1 with Albania last October.