How far is Macedonia in fulfilling the requirements under Chapter 27 - Environment of the acquis - Zuber, Sonja (Analytica, 2012)
Macedonia's progress under Chapter 27 of the EU Acquis - Environment and climate change has been one of the slowest since the EC started reporting about the reform processes in the potential candidates and candidates' member states. The issues in the environmental sector have not been high on the Macedonian government's agenda due to many other problems taking time and money such as public administration and judicial reforms, police reform, human rights, non-majority communities' rights etc., which usually take priority over the environment. Although as a candidate for membership Macedonia is obliged to work on reforms in every chapter including this one. Some progress has been made in certain areas such as transposing the acquis into national legislation, in particular on waste management or chemicals. However there is much left to be done, and the general observation is that, the most painful and expensive reforms are yet to be implemented. As it was stated in the last progress report from 2012: considerable efforts are required on awareness-raising, setting a more strategic approach for the country, aligning with and implanting EU climate acquis... Administrative capacity at both central and local levels needs to be strengthened. Investments need to be increased, especially in the waste and water sectors. Overall, preparations in the field of the environment are moderately advanced while in the field of climate change remain at an early stage