Negotiations
EU law (the acquis) is split into 35 chapters, grouped into 6 thematic clusters. Chapters 34 and 35 are handled at the very end, outside the clusters. A cluster opens as a whole by unanimity of all 27 member states. Its chapters are then closed one by one, also by unanimity.
Data verified as of 7 Aug 2026
Chapter readiness (EC's latest report):Early stageSomeModerateGoodWell advanced
1FundamentalsOpens first, closes last0 of 5 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 5Public procurementModerateNot started
- 18StatisticsModerateNot started
- 23Judiciary and fundamental rightsSomeNot started
- 24Justice, freedom and securityModerateNot started
- 32Financial controlModerateNot started
2Internal Market0 of 9 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 1Free movement of goodsModerateNot started
- 2Freedom of movement for workersEarly stageNot started
- 3Right of establishment and freedom to provide servicesModerateNot started
- 4Free movement of capitalModerateNot started
- 6Company lawGoodNot started
- 7Intellectual property lawModerateNot started
- 8Competition policyModerateNot started
- 9Financial servicesModerateNot started
- 28Consumer and health protectionModerateNot started
3Competitiveness & Inclusive Growth0 of 8 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 10Digital transformation and mediaModerateNot started
- 16TaxationModerateNot started
- 17Economic and monetary policyModerateNot started
- 19Social policy and employmentModerateNot started
- 20Enterprise and industrial policyModerateNot started
- 25Science and researchGoodNot started
- 26Education and cultureModerateNot started
- 29Customs unionGoodNot started
4Green Agenda & Sustainable Connectivity0 of 4 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 14Transport policyModerateNot started
- 15EnergyModerateNot started
- 21Trans-European networksGoodNot started
- 27Environment and climate changeSomeNot started
5Resources, Agriculture & Cohesion0 of 5 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 11Agriculture and rural developmentModerateNot started
- 12Food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policyGoodNot started
- 13FisheriesModerateNot started
- 22Regional policy and coordination of structural instrumentsModerateNot started
- 33Financial and budgetary provisionsEarly stageNot started
6External Relations0 of 2 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 30External relationsGoodNot started
- 31Foreign, security and defence policyGoodNot started
Outside the clusters (handled last)
- 34InstitutionsNot started
- 35Other issuesNot started
Who supports, who blocks
The political state of play around this accession — where member states and EU institutions stand, each attributed. "Resolved" marks a block that has since been lifted.
- Blocking
Bulgaria — Bulgaria blocks progress over identity, language and history; the EU framework requires North Macedonia to amend its constitution to include citizens who are part of other peoples, such as Bulgarians, before the Fundamentals cluster can open.
- Resolved
Greece — The decades-long name dispute with Greece was settled by the 2018 Prespa Agreement, under which the country renamed itself North Macedonia. The EC 2025 Report calls for it to be implemented in good faith by all parties.