On 26 November 2025, the Eighth Plenary Conference of the National Convention on the European Union in the Republic of North Macedonia (NCEU-MK) was held at the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia in Skopje. The event brought together institutional representatives, civil society organisations, experts, academics and international partners from North Macedonia, the Western Balkans and CEI countries.
The event aimed to strengthen institutional capacity, participatory governance and structured dialogue among public institutions and civil society, contributing to more effective reforms and progress on the path towards European Union membership.
Organised by the European Movement in the Republic of North Macedonia, the Conference was held under the theme “Reforms Beyond Rhetoric: Regional Challenges on the Path to the European Union” and provided a high-level platform to discuss the political, institutional and societal dimensions of the accession process. The programme featured an opening plenary followed by three thematic panels addressing trust in reforms, the rule of law in practice, and convergence with EU standards through domestic reform efforts.
Discussions highlighted that EU accession is not merely a technical process, but a comprehensive transformation requiring political will, institutional credibility and sustained public engagement. Particular attention was given to the role of the rule of law, judicial independence, anti-corruption measures and accountability mechanisms as core pillars of democratic governance and European integration.
“Strong institutional capacity and good governance are crucial for democratic stability, security, and European integration. Good governance necessitates transparent and accountable state organisations, fostering multi-level collaboration for long-term development policies rooted in democratic values, the rule of law, and human rights. Local authorities are vital in addressing grassroots challenges and engaging citizens.
The CEI serves as a platform for promoting institutional development and governance. Cooperation with regional partners enhances these efforts, with the ultimate goal of accelerating modernisation and institutional transformation through transparent frameworks and inclusive policymaking across diverse societal actors.”
For more info: poli@cei.int
