Joveva's View on North Macedonia's EU Progress
Slovenian MEP Irena Joveva highlights that North Macedonia has made noticeable progress on its European path, though assessments often lump it together with Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina unfairly.
Comparison with Regional Neighbors
Joveva acknowledges that Montenegro is the most advanced in reforms within the region, followed by Albania. However, she stresses that North Macedonia's achievements should be recognized distinctly.
“It is not that the Macedonian state hasn’t progressed; there has been progress, but the assessment is too general, too broad. Of course, it cannot be said that North Macedonia has progressed as much as Montenegro, but it deserves to be stated clearly and loudly that there has been progress,”
Fairness in EU Assessment
Joveva expresses concern that grouping North Macedonia with Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina overlooks specific challenges and progress differences, which feels unjust, especially considering the current situations in those countries.
“I believe it is not fair for North Macedonia to be placed in the same basket as Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina when it comes to progress on the European path.”
Context on Regional Challenges
She subtly distances her critique from Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi and the European Commission but insists on the need for clearer recognition of North Macedonia’s distinct progress compared to its neighbors.
Author’s summary: Irena Joveva underscores the unfairness of equating North Macedonia's EU reform progress with that of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, advocating for clearer, louder acknowledgment of its advancements.