Research Papers

This paper aims to show how the EU integration processes affect interest mobilization and participation of interest groups and wider civil society in R. Macedonia in domestic decision-making processes, as well their preparation for future inclusion in EU governance. The research is based on documentation from interest groups and interviews with interest group representatives. The paper identifies changes in the national system of interest representation in relation to EU integration, concluding that while it did not significantly affect the mobilization of interest groups, in the last several years it has contributed to a better inclusion of some types of interest groups in domestic decision-making processes. The social partners, agricultural associations and the local governments’ umbrella organization report to now be consulted on a more regular basis; a number of organizations have gained clear ‘insider’ status while others are needed to provide technical information from their field of expertise. However, in the case of R. Macedonia, the prolonged candidate status may affect the willingness of the executive branch of government to maintain this level of transparency or further open the process of civil society involvement in domestic governance. The research findings confirm several modes of preparation for or inclusion of interest groups in EU interest representation processes as well, although with limited effects. These include: direct representation offices in Brussels, involvement in twining and capacity building projects, EU financial aid, associate membership in the EU associations of national interest groups, and participation in regional networks of national interest associations strongly encouraged by the respective Eurogroups.