Four Years from the Candidacy Status: what has been done and what can be expected?
Four Years from the Candidacy Status: what has been done and what can be expected?

Author(s): Sonja Risteska
Subject(s): Governance, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Economic development, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, EU-Legislation
Published by: Аналитика Тинк-тенк Организација
Keywords: North Macedonia; candidacy status; EU integration; EU accession process; EU legislation; reforms; NATO membership; name issue; relations with Greece;
Summary/Abstract: Much has been said and done in the past four years since Macedonia became a candidate country for the EU. As the date for publishing this year’s EC Report approaches, the questions of whether this year will be ‘the’ year for getting the much aspired date for starting the negotiations for full membership occupy public discussions. To find a quick answer to these questions seems a rather difficult task. Problems stem not just from domestic concerns, as complex and challenging they are, but also from the confusion over Europe’s future within Europe’s capitals and in Brussels. The path that Macedonia has to walk to get to the much wanted ‘destination’ – Brussels, is particularly difficult and full with bumps. From domestic issues and set benchmarks through disputes with its neighbors, Macedonia also has to find a way to ‘win’ Europe in spite of the global economic crisis and the unfinished ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. It seems as mission impossible when combined altogether, albeit it could be accomplished.

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