In the key findings from the European Commission’s progress report on Macedonia, it notes that the country faces the continuation of the most severe political crisis since 2001. The report also noted that the country suffers from a divisive political culture and lacks the capacity for compromise.
Here is a brief summary of the findings:
- Inter-ethnic situation: Fragile
- Civil Society: Plays an important role in supporting democratic processes and ensuring checks and balances.
- Public Administration: There has been some progress, although limited. However, there is insufficient progress in the implementation of the Commission’s previous recommendations.
- Judicial System: The situation has been backsliding since 2014 and achievements of the previous decade’s reform process have been undermined by recurrent political interference. The obstructions faced by the newly established Special Prosecutor have shown the need to address effectively the lack of independence of the judiciary and to prevent selective justice.
- The Fight against Corruption: The country has some level of preparation, however corruption remains prevalent in many areas and continues to be a serious problem.
- Human Rights: More efforts are needed in practice to ensure the respect of human rights of vulnerable groups, including refugees and migrants.
- Freedom of Expression: The situation of the media remains a serious challenge in the current political climate.
- Migration Crisis: The country continues to be affected by the migration crisis, but the country continues to cooperate with neighbouring countries and EU Member States.
- Economy: High unemployment particularly for the youth and the low competitiveness of the domestic private sector which is hampered by weak contract enforcement, the large informal economy, and difficult access to finance. Significant investments are needed for the public infrastructure, to increase competitiveness.
