North Macedonia: reforms and public procurement in spotlight

Members of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and local and regional politicians from North Macedonia met in Skopje on 4 November to discuss the country's reforms in preparation for membership of the European Union.

The meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) between the CoR and North Macedonia was co-chaired by Ivan Gulam (HR/Renew Europe), Mayor of Pirovac, and by Orce Gjorgjievski, Mayor of Skopje and President of the Association of Local Self-Government Units (ZELS).

The JCC was addressed by Erdjan Selimi, North Macedonia's Deputy Minister of Local Self-Government.

As the meeting was coming to a close, the European Commission released its annual report on reforms in countries seeking to join the EU, concluding that North Macedonia had made progress on the reforms, while noting a need to improve implementation and adopt Constitutional amendments that it committed to. .

The meeting was also an opportunity for an extended discussion on public procurement, a topic identified as a top priority by North Macedonian sub-national administrations. Alberto Cirio (IT/EPP), Chair of the CoR's Commission for Economic Policy (ECON) and President of the region of Piedmont, provided the perspective and experience of local and regional administrations within the EU.

The JCC provides a forum for dialogue and cooperation between the CoR and North Macedonia's local and regional authorities on issues related to the country's EU integration.

Quote:

• Ivan Gulam (HR/Renew Europe), chair of the Joint Consultative Committee on North Macedonia and mayor of Pirovac: "I am happy to see that the Enlargement Package recognises that despite outstanding constitutional amendments, North Macedonia keeps delivering reforms. Bilateral issues should not permanently hinder EU accession and reforms must continue not just to meet EU demands, but to improve the quality of life of all citizens. I said it in Skopje, I will continue to say it: dear mayors, take ownership of the European agenda and remember that the country’s European future is built in your communities."

More information:

• Meeting documents: Agenda and recording.
• European Commission Enlargement Package 2026: Report and factsheet on North Macedonia.