The EU Named Four Front-Runners for Membership — Macedonia Is Not Among Them: What the Roadmaps and the End of the Veto Mean
On October 6 the European Commission proposed roadmaps for Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova and decision-making by qualified majority; the enlargement reports are expected on October 28.
On October 6 the European Commission adopted a package of proposals to change enlargement policy and processes. The roadmaps — documents setting out the next reform steps — will be published for four countries designated as front-runners: Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova. Together with the progress reports, they are expected on October 28.
The Commission also proposes dropping the unanimity rule for opening negotiations and chapters, using qualified majority instead — according to the report, the consent of 15 of 27 member states. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said the front-runners “have shown significant progress” and that the roadmaps will not demotivate the other candidates but inspire them. Macedonian media also describe the proposal as “gradual integration,” without a veto for new members.
What matters for Macedonia is that it is not among the four countries with a roadmap. The texts we checked do not say what status or timeline awaits it, or whether the proposals will pass: the changes to decision-making still require the consent of the member states themselves.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · October 11, 2026
