335 Macedonia and NATO: Uneasy Path to Membership Lidija Georgieva, Institute for Security, Defence and Peace, Faculty of Philosophy, Skopje georgieva@fzf.ukim.edu.mk Abstract At the beginning of 1990’s the public opinion in Macedonia was overly in favour of the European integrations seen both as a priority and an instrument for achieving national political goals. Ever since the process of Euro-Atlantic integration has been perceived both as platform for dialogue and tool for achieving national unity among the domestic political actors usually divided over numerous ideological and ethnic priorities. It was expected that European and Euro-Atlantic integrations, perceived as a common political goal, would facilitate the internal dialogue and raise the level of trust into national political institutions. This paper deals with the longest part of the SSR process a part of Macedonian transitional and integrative agenda. It particularly focuses on periods that have begun since 2005 (when Macedonia has gained candidate status for EU membership) and 2008 (when NATO issued invitation). The research focus is post-Bucharest dilemmas regarding its security policy and defence reforms in Macedonia. Introduction In 1990-ies Macedonia entered process of democratic transition and institution- building. The process was influenced by the variety of internal and regional factors, especially in the period of violent conflicts in the region and their aftermath. This turbulent process and the regional environment created perception that Macedonia was a part of the Balkan in-security community and that it shared its common dilemmas and perspectives (Schnabel 2001). The primary goal of the Macedonian foreign and security policy from the early 90’s has been avoidance of the consequences and contagious effects of the regional violent conflicts, and sustaining the internal stability. NATO membership (Euro-Atlantic integration) was considered an opportunity and essential strategic instrument that would preserve the political will alive and would also facilitate painful reforms. More clear political perspective of NATO membership appeared shortly after independence, once the Security dialogues original scientific article 327.51.071.5 (497.7:100-622НАТО)