North Macedonia at the EU Enlargement Summit: A Call to Build, Not Just Wait

On November 4, 2025, in Brussels, the Euronews EU Enlargement Summit gathered European leaders and candidate countries at a time when the continent’s future feels both urgent and uncertain. While the summit was filled with declarations of unity and ambition, it also exposed the deep frustration of countries like North Macedonia, which have spent decades waiting for fair treatment and real progress on their European path.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski’s address stood out for its clarity and moral weight. He spoke not only about the long list of political hurdles that have slowed North Macedonia’s accession process but also about the emotional fatigue such constant obstacles create. The endless demands for constitutional changes and the disputes over national symbols have, he said, become instruments of political pressure rather than legitimate tests of readiness. “We are in the same place where we were 25 years ago, not because of the Copenhagen criteria, but because of artificial disputes,” he told the summit. Mickoski described this cycle of vetoes and new preconditions as a form of bullying, questioning whether such treatment reflects the European Union’s principles of fairness, equality, and solidarity.

However, Mickoski’s message was not one of defeat. His tone was constructive and focused on self-reliance. He emphasized that North Macedonia must take charge of its own destiny by deepening reforms, improving the business environment, and creating opportunities that inspire its young people to stay and contribute. “Let us do our homework, let us create a good environment, let us bring young people back home, and let us develop something that will be good for them. Let us deliver homework that will impress the European Union,” he urged. His words were a call for internal renewal, not endless waiting.

As the summit drew to a close, there was cautious optimism but also a quiet understanding that the road ahead remains long. The European promise of integration by 2030 depends not only on reforms but also on political will among current members. For North Macedonia, the challenge now is twofold: to continue proving its commitment to European values and to build a society strong enough to thrive even without constant validation from Brussels.

Regional Highlights: Between Progress and Stalemate

The summit also reflected the mixed pace of progress across the region. Ukraine received vocal support from several leaders, although Hungary’s veto continued to block its path, prompting a direct confrontation between President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Orbán. Moldova and Albania earned praise for reform momentum, while Montenegro was acknowledged for steady institutional progress. Serbia, in contrast, faced criticism for its limited alignment with European foreign policy, especially regarding sanctions against Russia.

European Council President António Costa emphasized that enlargement is no longer a matter of symbolic solidarity but a strategic necessity for Europe’s long-term stability and security. The European Commission reiterated that with sufficient reforms, new members could join by 2030. Yet the persistence of national vetoes and shifting political interests continues to erode faith in that timeline.

The summit, for the Western Balkans, marked both a reminder of Europe's unresolved issues and a significant shift in perspective. Mickoski’s words captured a broader regional sentiment: that Europe’s credibility will ultimately be measured not by its speeches but by its actions. North Macedonia’s new course, built on reforms, resilience, and renewed confidence, may well prove that progress is not only granted by others but also built from within.