In North Macedonia, a majority in parliament continues to push through laws using special procedures known as the “European star”, despite facing criticism from not only the opposition but also European Union officials.

Following the recent approval of five laws related to the construction of Corridors 8 and 10-D using this method, attention has now turned to a new law concerning online gaming, casinos, and sports betting.

The ruling parties argue that this law is necessary, among other reasons, to regulate the placement of gambling establishments away from educational institutions, a demand they attribute to various associations and the opposition.

However, the opposition has blocked the session of the Committee for European Affairs, contending that passing this law with the “European star” represents misuse, serving the interests of political parties linked to specific businesses. Some of these businesses, according to opposition parties, have ties to supporters of the Russian regime.

Izet Mexhiti, the leader of the Democratic Movement, stated, “This is another attempt to misuse the ‘European star’. It appears as if they are fighting against casinos or moving them out of the city, but in reality, the first license they issued is for the ‘Lottery of North Macedonia’… There are also public concerns about reports that one of the gambling chains has signed a contract with a problematic oligarch whose connections reach Prigozhin and even to Russia’s Wagner”.

Antonio Milošoski, a VMRO-DPMNE deputy, echoed these concerns, asserting, “This is another abuse of the ‘European star’ for a law that has no connection to the European Union. Instead, it deals with decisions made by Deputy Prime Minister Artan Grubi regarding his lotteries. Key partners employed in his office and conflicting personalities from Bulgaria, such as Vasil Bozhkov, whose businesses are on the U.S. blacklist, are involved”.

The Democratic Union for Integration, however, rejects these allegations, emphasizing that the primary objective is to regulate games of chance, with a particular focus on relocating them away from educational institutions.

Arbër Ademi, a deputy from the Democratic Union for Integration, argued, “All citizens can see who opposes discussing the draft law in the Assembly, which envisions that casinos should be situated away from school premises. How long should we wait for those who are supposed to determine to protect the public interest? Should they protect the public interest, or should they continue to protect casinos and games of chance?”

Experts in international affairs contend that political manipulation of procedures to pass laws must be abandoned, as it could adversely affect the country’s progress in European integration.

Malinka Jordanova, from the Institute for European Policies, noted, “The use of the ‘European star’ for law adoption is more prevalent here than in other countries in the region. Numerous abuses have led to increased criticism. However, it seems that political leadership is not inclined to listen. Such abuses have occurred under this Government and previous ones, as politicians have seemingly found a mechanism to advance their political agendas. This contradicts our aspirations to adopt European laws and implement European standards”.

Previously, European Ambassador David Geer criticized the practice, particularly after the approval of laws related to the construction of Corridors 8 and 10-D. He emphasized that the “European star” should only be used when aligning legislation with EU laws and standards.

Geer stated, “You can use the ‘European star’ when aligning your legislation with EU legislation and standards. We are concerned about laws related to Corridors 8 and 10D being marked with the ‘European star’ because it does not involve aligning these laws with EU standards”.

Previously, at the Government’s proposal, changes to the Citizenship Law, amendments to the Penal Code, and other legal solutions that had no connection to the need for harmonization with European legislation were approved using the “European star”.