EU warns North Macedonia over stalled reforms

North Macedonia has been warned it is falling behind on key reforms needed to join the European Union.

The European Parliament’s latest report says the country has made little progress on the rule of law, corruption and judicial independence.

MEPs said political pressure on the courts and weak results in major corruption cases continue to damage public trust.

They also criticised changes to the Criminal Code, saying lower penalties and shorter deadlines have made it harder to punish corruption.

The report warned of anti-EU narratives and growing foreign influence from Serbia, China and Russia.

It also urged action on air pollution, hate speech and discrimination, while pressing Skopje to pass constitutional changes.