THE IMPACT OF THE PRESPA AGREEMENT ON ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICIES AND INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN NORTH MACEDONIA

Abstract

The Prespa Agreement, signed in 2018 between North Macedonia and Greece, represented a major geopolitical breakthrough that significantly accelerated North Macedonia’s Euro Atlantic integration. Beyond resolving a longstanding bilateral dispute, the Agreement created favorable conditions for implementing comprehensive governance reforms aligned with the European Union’s political accession criteria. Among the most important reform priorities has been strengthening anti corruption policies, improving institutional accountability, and reinforcing the independence of democratic institutions.
This paper examines the impact of the Prespa Agreement on anti corruption governance in North Macedonia during the period 2018 2026. It explores whether the intensified European integration process has contributed to improving institutional capacities for preventing and combating corruption, enhancing transparency, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and promoting the rule of law. Particular attention is devoted to the functioning and independence of key oversight institutions, including anti corruption bodies, judicial institutions, and public administration.
The research employs a qualitative methodology based on document analysis, comparative policy analysis, and the examination of reports published by the European Commission, Transparency International, GRECO, SIGMA/OECD, the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption, and other international organizations. These sources provide measurable indicators for evaluating institutional reforms and governance performance.
The findings indicate that although North Macedonia has adopted important legislative and institutional reforms following the Prespa Agreement, their practical implementation remains uneven. Political polarization, limited institutional capacity, inconsistent enforcement of anti corruption legislation, and concerns regarding judicial independence continue to undermine reform effectiveness. Nevertheless, EU conditionality has served as an important driver for promoting transparency, accountability, and institutional modernization.
The paper concludes that the Prespa Agreement has indirectly contributed to strengthening anti corruption governance by accelerating European integration and reform processes. However, achieving sustainable institutional accountability requires stronger political commitment, greater institutional independence, consistent implementation of anti corruption policies, and enhanced public trust in democratic institutions