Corruption as a factor slowing the process of Macedonia's integration in the EU

Abstract

Since its independence until today the Republic of Macedonia aims to reforms aimed at building a democratic society based on the principles of rule of law and market economy. In that plan the Republic of Macedonia has made a series of reforms in 2005 resulted in obtaining candidate status for EU membership, without setting a date for starting negotiations. Not setting a date for talks indicates that Macedonia still has not reached the level to fully meet the Copenhagen criteria. In this context speak European reports published by the European Commission which particularly highlight the problem of corruption. This paper will focus on the effectiveness of the institutions of the system in the fight against corruption with emphasis on corrupt offenses provided in chapter 30 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Macedonia.