North Macedonia’s pursuit of European Union membership has encountered significant setbacks due to ongoing disputes with neighboring Bulgaria. The crux of the impasse lies in Bulgaria’s demand for North Macedonia to amend its constitution to recognize a Bulgarian minority, a condition that has stalled the EU accession process.
European Council President António Costa has urged North Macedonia to implement constitutional changes to include protections for the Bulgarian minority, emphasizing that such amendments are crucial for advancing the country’s EU membership bid. However, the previous center-left government in Skopje accepted this condition but lacked the parliamentary support to effect the change. The current conservative Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, insists that constitutional amendments will only proceed if Bulgaria first approves North Macedonia’s EU membership, emphasizing that the process must be reciprocal.
The dispute has also affected regional infrastructure projects. North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Mickoski has accused Bulgaria of failing to commit to the construction of a high-speed rail link between the capitals of Skopje and Sofia, a project that is part of the planned ‘Corridor 8’ route. He has threatened to divert EU funds dedicated to the project to another route known as Corridor 10, which would link Skopje with Belgrade and Budapest to the north.
The European Union has expressed support for North Macedonia’s EU path, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasizing the necessity of reforms in the rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and public administration. However, she stressed that progress hinges on domestic reforms, including the constitutional amendment to recognize the Bulgarian minority. Kallas stated, “North Macedonia faces era-defining choices for its citizens and its future.”
Despite these challenges, North Macedonia remains committed to its EU aspirations. The government has expressed its intention to engage in talks with Bulgaria during the upcoming NATO summit to address long-standing disputes impeding its European Union membership bid. Prime Minister Mickoski stated that he hopes EU and NATO officials will participate in these discussions.
The impasse underscores the complexities of EU enlargement, particularly in the Western Balkans, where historical grievances often intertwine with accession criteria. The resolution of the dispute between North Macedonia and Bulgaria is pivotal for the country’s EU integration and regional stability.
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