25th EU–North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee holds second working session in Skopje
Co-chairs Ivanka Vasilevska and Carlo Resler urged continued reforms, mutual trust and a predictable EU enlargement policy.
The Assembly of North Macedonia is hosting the second working session of the 25th EU–North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee today, continuing a meeting that opened yesterday under the joint chairmanship of MP Ivanka Vasilevska and MEP Carlo Resler.
Committee reaffirms commitment to reforms and predictable enlargement
Opening the proceedings yesterday, Ivanka Vasilevska thanked Members of the European Parliament for their "continuous and unequivocal support" for the EU enlargement process and highlighted the Parliament's positive assessment of the country’s reform steps, interethnic stability and alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy.
Vasilevska underlined the candidate country’s obligation to pursue reforms and align national policies with European standards, especially in energy, transport, trade, defence and security. She warned that credibility in the accession process depends on mutual trust and delivery from both sides.
"But the credibility of the accession process is built on mutual trust and the fulfilment of obligations by both sides. Therefore, it is of particular importance that the progress achieved by candidate countries is appropriately recognised and assessed, and that the EU enlargement policy remains predictable and consistent. Only through such an approach can we ensure a sustainable reform process, strengthen the European perspective of the candidate countries and at the same time contribute to a stronger, more united and more resilient European Union, capable of responding more effectively to the challenges of global competition," Vasilevska stressed.
MEP Carlo Resler said the country clearly belongs to the European family but acknowledged how long and frustrating the accession path has been. "We want to stand shoulder to shoulder with you as the European Parliament, with your citizens and with colleagues in the Assembly," Resler said.
Yesterday the committee members also approved the minutes of the 24th meeting of the Joint Committee, held on 26 and 27 November 2025 in Strasbourg. The second working session in Skopje will continue discussions on the implementation of reforms and cooperation across the priority policy areas identified by both sides.
Photo: press material from the event
