North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said on Thursday his government will not take any further steps on constitutional amendments required for EU accession unless Bulgaria includes ethnic Macedonians in its national minority committee.
“As long as there is no Macedonian in Bulgaria’s Minority Committee, we will not move a single millimetre from our position,” Mickoski told parliament during a Q&A session on the EU-related constitutional changes. “We must all work toward that goal.”
Mickoski called on the opposition to join government lobbying efforts with MEPs to support a forthcoming European Parliament report that recognises the distinct, centuries-old Macedonian identity and language.
He said the obligation to amend the constitution — to recognise citizens identifying as ethnic Bulgarians — stems from the previous government’s acceptance of the French proposal, aimed at unblocking North Macedonia’s EU path. The current government, he said, is drafting a strategy to proceed without making new concessions.
“If you look at this from a statesmanlike perspective, you ask: what does the country gain? Especially knowing Bulgaria’s foreign minister said this is only the beginning of demands, not the end,” Mickoski said.
He noted that Bulgaria’s national committee includes Roma, Turkish, and Armenian representatives, while Macedonians – despite winning 14 cases at the European Court of Human Rights – are excluded. “Until I see a Macedonian in that committee, I will not budge an inch as long as I am Prime Minister,” he said.
First test – minority rights document
Mickoski said a pending EU document on minority rights, drafted by North Macedonia’s foreign ministry, will serve as the first test of Bulgaria’s stance. “We’ll see how our eastern neighbour reacts,” he said.
He also pointed to an upcoming report before the European Parliament that emphasises the historical continuity of the Macedonian identity and language, distinct from others and not tied solely to the territory of the modern state.
“That’s key — Macedonians exist around the world. Based on the information we have and the tabled amendments, I’m not optimistic about the behaviour of MEPs from Bulgaria. Their positions resemble something from the Middle Ages,” Mickoski said.
He added the report clearly states that “we have a separate Macedonian identity going back centuries, not just post-1945, and a separate Macedonian language.” The report, set for a vote in July, could mark the first time the European Parliament formally recognises these elements, he said.
Italian ambassador: Differences can be overcome
Italian Ambassador Paolo Palminteri expressed optimism that outstanding issues between Skopje and Sofia could be resolved.
“I believe European integration will move forward in good order,” he said during a visit to the town of Štip.
Although accession talks are stalled, Palminteri said other processes are proceeding. “When all these relations mature, North Macedonia will be fully ready to integrate into the EU. Italy hopes this will happen as soon as possible,” he added.