Brussels Prepares Fast-Track Roadmaps for Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro and Albania — North Macedonia Left Out
According to a Politico report, the European Commission is preparing special roadmaps with clear calendars for closing negotiation chapters for four countries, while talks with Skopje remain stuck over unresolved conditions.
The European Commission is preparing fast-track EU accession roadmaps for Albania, Montenegro, Ukraine and Moldova, with "clear calendars and concrete deadlines for closing negotiation chapters," Politico reports, citing sources close to Brussels. A key review of the EU's pre-accession policy is expected to be presented on October 6, 2026, with final decisions by EU leaders expected on October 15.
The new mechanism sets precise deadlines and reform requirements for each phase of negotiations — an approach that hasn't existed in this form before. North Macedonia, however, remains outside this accelerated package, due to, according to the sources, unmet international obligations and mandatory accelerated judicial reforms. "Negotiations with Skopje cannot substantively advance" until those conditions are met, the Politico sources say.
Exclusion from fast-track status effectively means North Macedonia's citizens will continue waiting longer for access to EU markets, face reduced foreign investment, and have limited access to European development funds compared with neighbors receiving accelerated treatment. This further underscores the urgency around constitutional amendments and judicial reform — the very topics already dominating discussion ahead of von der Leyen's upcoming visit.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · September 30, 2026
