North Macedonia’s main opposition party has introduced a parliamentary proposal aimed at unblocking the country’s long-stalled accession negotiations with the European Union. The initiative comes amid hopes that Sofia will refrain from attaching new conditions to Skopje’s path toward membership.

A History of Delays

North Macedonia has held EU candidate status since 2005 but has faced repeated obstacles on its accession journey. The most recent came from Bulgaria, which has conditioned its approval of accession talks on sensitive issues of history, language, and minority rights. These disputes have repeatedly stalled progress, despite North Macedonia’s 2019 Prespa Agreement with Greece, which resolved a decades-long name dispute and paved the way for NATO membership.

The Opposition’s Move

The opposition argues that unblocking the accession process is a matter of national interest that transcends partisan divides. By formally introducing the proposal in parliament, the party seeks to accelerate discussions in Brussels and reassure EU partners of Skopje’s readiness to proceed with reforms. At the same time, it is urging Sofia not to introduce new political or cultural demands beyond what has already been negotiated.

Regional Implications

The proposal comes at a time of renewed focus on EU enlargement in the Western Balkans. Brussels has signaled a greater willingness to advance integration, especially given the geopolitical fallout of Russia’s war in Ukraine. For North Macedonia, moving forward without further delays is critical to maintaining public trust in the EU path, which has been eroded by years of setbacks.

Analysts warn that if Bulgaria raises fresh conditions, it could further fuel Euroscepticism within North Macedonia and strengthen domestic forces opposed to EU integration. Conversely, progress could provide momentum not only for Skopje but also for other aspiring members in the region, including Albania, Serbia, and Montenegro.

What’s Next?

The parliamentary debate on the opposition’s proposal is expected to test the political will of both government and opposition to present a unified front. Much will also depend on Bulgaria’s position in the coming months, as well as the EU’s readiness to reassure Skopje that no new hurdles will be imposed.

For North Macedonia, the stakes are high: unlocking accession talks could mark the most significant breakthrough in its European journey since the Prespa Agreement—and a crucial step toward finally joining the EU after two decades of waiting.