Double Standards of the European Union Towards the Republic of Macedonia: a Mother to Some, a Stepmother to Others

The title of this paper refers to terms which are quite often used in international and regional politics. However, no other country has been so frequently exposed to these terms as the Republic of Macedonia, ever since its declaration of independence in 1991. During the transition process, these double standards have become part of our daily lives. However, without going back to the past, the paper aims to present the double standards that the European Union as a whole and its member states individually have towards the Republic of Macedonia. Recent research indicates a changed mood among citizens regarding the process of European integration, attitudes towards the European Union, the challenges and perspectives for the future of Macedonia as a “possible” member state of the European Union. Citizens are increasingly skeptical about European integration, which is a result not only of internal reforms but also of the way in which the European Union has functioned in recent years, the attitude of the EU member states towards the enlargement process, the (un)acceptable demands of neighbouring states, etc. Finally, the paper aims to present the future of the Macedonian European integration process and possible strategies for overcoming the challenges arising from the process. Keywords: European Union, Republic of Macedonia, double standards, challenges, perspectives.