North Macedonia’s president and prime minister have expressed frustration over stumbling blocks imposed by the EU due to a dispute with Bulgaria over Balkan history, language, and culture. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski criticized the EU’s attempt to dictate North Macedonia’s actions and insisted on not accepting any further delay in membership talks. The EU ambassadors in Brussels reportedly decided to move forward with Albania’s EU accession process independently, indicating a separation from North Macedonia’s path. The European Commission has stated that negotiations will begin with Albania as soon as possible, while North Macedonia will start once it meets the relevant criteria.
The EU began membership talks with both Balkan countries in 2022, but North Macedonia’s bid was delayed due to the dispute with Bulgaria. The previous government in Skopje attempted to break the impasse by accepting a Bulgarian demand to insert a reference to a Bulgarian ethnic minority in the constitution. However, Mickoski’s conservative government insists on only amending the constitution if Bulgaria first approves North Macedonia’s EU membership. President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova likened the country’s EU path to waiting for Godot, highlighting the long and frustrating process of negotiations.
The country’s EU path was previously blocked by Greece over a similar dispute, which was resolved in 2018 when North Macedonia changed its name. The main opposition leader blamed Mickoski’s government for the setback, calling it a disaster for the citizens. The ongoing dispute threatens to prolong the country’s EU accession process, impacting future generations of North Macedonians.
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