Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has attributed North Macedonia’s lack of integration into the EU to both objective and subjective reasons but emphasized that the main cause lies in unresolved bilateral issues.
Speaking to MTV 1 at the end of his visit to the U.S., Mickoski expressed surprise at Athens’ reaction to his recent statement that “the Macedonian question is unresolved, has been simmering for centuries, and still exists.”
“I am truly surprised why they felt addressed, as no one was mentioned in my statement. I’m puzzled—why such a reaction?” he said. He suggested the reaction might be for domestic purposes, adding that North Macedonia would not be provoked into responding in kind, as this could spiral into an endless process.
Mickoski stressed that his stance and message are clear:
“As prime minister, it would be irresponsible and a betrayal of the Macedonian people for me to claim the Macedonian question is closed when we are not part of the European family. We began our EU path long before some member states currently in the Union. This is an open issue,” he said.
While acknowledging objective and subjective obstacles to EU integration, Mickoski reiterated that bilateral issues should not be criteria or conditions for accession. He also cited human rights rulings from the European Court of Human Rights regarding the treatment of Macedonians in Bulgaria as evidence that these issues remain unresolved.
“It would be irresponsible of me as prime minister to ignore this, thinking it would solve the problems. As long as I live and work in this field, I will fight to correct these injustices in the 21st century,” Mickoski said. He added that future generations must continue the institutional fight to ensure Macedonia’s identity and history are preserved.
Reaction from Greece and Bulgaria
Mickoski’s comments quickly made headlines in Greek and Bulgarian media. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminded North Macedonia of its obligation to fully implement the Prespa Agreement and refrain from irredentist declarations.
Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s new government emphasized that EU accession must be based on merit, referencing North Macedonia’s obligations under bilateral agreements.
The Macedonian question has also resurfaced in Bulgarian public discourse following a resolution adopted by the European Parliament condemning Russia’s manipulation of history in Ukraine. Bulgarian MEP Andrey Kovatchev drew an analogy, stating, “Falsification of history leads to hatred and division among people,” referencing North Macedonia.
Negotiation Framework and Education
Kovatchev also highlighted the role of the EU Negotiating Framework, which ties North Macedonia’s progress to fulfilling agreements with Greece and Bulgaria, including revising textbooks to reflect historical accuracy. He underscored the importance of combating hate speech and aligning educational curricula with historical facts.
Kovatchev reported that the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, reaffirmed that fulfilling these agreements is a precondition for North Macedonia’s EU accession. This includes constitutional amendments to recognize Bulgarians as a minority and adherence to the terms of the bilateral agreements.
Kovatchev dismissed claims by Mickoski and other North Macedonian officials that additional conditions are being imposed. “There are no additional conditions—everything is in the Negotiating Framework,” he said.