20th meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement Subcommittee with North Macedonia on Justice, Freedom and Security

20th meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement Subcommittee with North Macedonia on Justice, Freedom and Security

The 20^th meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom, and Security with North Macedonia took place in Skopje on March 12 and 13, 2026. The meeting was co-chaired for North Macedonia by Ms. Eva Ilievska, Head of the Sector for EU Integration and Negotiation in the Ministry of the Interior and Ms. Bojana Bosilkova, Acting Head of the EU Department, Ministry of Justice and for the European Commission by Ms. Sigrid Brettel, Head of Unit for Albania and North Macedonia in the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood. The Subcommittee reviewed developments in areas covered by Chapters 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) and 24 (Justice, Freedom, and Security).

Recalling the assessment provided in the 2025 annual report, the Commission urged the authorities of North Macedonia to make sustained efforts to ensure the independence, professionalism, transparency, and impartiality of the judiciary. The Commission expressed concern regarding instances of external and political pressure into judiciary. The Commission emphasised that the Judicial Council is an integral part of an independent judiciary. The Commission expressed concern about the dismissal procedure against the former Chief Prosecutor, which led to his resignation, notably with regards to providing for sufficient safeguards against politicisation.

The authorities of North Macedonia presented the progress in implementing the Judicial Reform Strategy for 2024-2028 and the general state of play of the legislative revision with adoption of a new Law on Judicial Council, and work on the Laws on Courts, on Public Prosecution Office, and on the Council for Public Prosecutors. .

The Commission reiterated the need to increase efforts in the repression of corruption, including by allocating sufficient human and financial resources, for building-up a solid track record to counter corruption at high-level. The authorities of North Macedonia presented their progress in implementing the Strategy for the prevention of corruption and conflict of interest and the preparatory work for the drafting of the new Strategy for 2026 to 2030. The authorities have also confirmed that a new Criminal Code and a new Law on Criminal Procedure are being prepared. The Commission emphasised that this was a crucial step of the Reform Agenda in the context of the Reform and Growth Facility, and confirmed it stands ready to provide technical expertise.

Regarding fundamental rights, the Commission once again called upon the authorities to drastically improve prison conditions in line with the recommendations from the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and the recommendations from the UN Committee against Torture and continue engagement with the Committee. The authorities shared the latest updates in implementing the Law on Media, following the inclusion online media in the legislation. The Commission urged to adopt specific legislation on strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). The Commission encouraged the allocation of sufficient specialised staff and financial resources to the Ombudsman and the Commission for the Prevention and Protection against Discrimination, allowing them to fully exercise their respective mandates. The Commission stressed the need for further legislative alignment with the EU acquis on freedom of expression, non-discrimination, gender equality and combating gender-based violence policies and the need to ensure availability and access to specialised support services for victims.

As regards the fight against serious and organised crime, the Commission invited the authorities of North Macedonia to further strengthen cooperation with Member states and EU agencies. North Macedonia is expected to further align its legal and strategic framework with the EU acquis in this area. Further efforts are needed in strengthening administrative and operational capacities to effectively fight serious and organised crime. The Commission encouraged North Macedonia to continue progress in establishing a solid track record on investigations, prosecutions and convictions.

On the cooperation in the field of drugs, the Commission underlined the need to make swift progress to sign the working arrangement with the EU Drugs Agency. North Macedonia should continue its efforts to fully operationalise the National Drugs Observatory and establish a National Early warning system. On the prevention and countering of terrorism, the Commission welcomed the progress made in preparing a national roadmap and action plan to implement of the new Joint Action Plan on counter terrorism for the Western Balkans.

On migration and border management, the Commission welcomed the continuous implementation of the EU Action Plan on the Western Balkans. North Macedonia should continue to improve the management of legal and irregular migration, but also in tackling migrant smuggling. Priority should be given the preparation of a Schengen Action Plan in view of preparing the implementation of the Schengen acquis upon accession.