Why is North Macedonia still not in the EU?

Six countries from the Western Balkans want to join the EU. North Macedonia is one of these countries. The country has been waiting for more than 20 years already. Only Croatia has already been a member since 2013.

The road to the EU is long and has many steps. Every country must change many laws. The rules of the EU have 35 chapters. All members must agree on every step. That is why a single country can stop the whole process.

North Macedonia has been a candidate since 2005. But Greece blocked the way for a long time because of the name. In 2018 the country changed its name. Then Bulgaria set new conditions.

The EU also wants reforms, for example in the courts and against corruption. That is hard and takes a long time. Nobody knows when the next member will join.