North Macedonia’s president and prime minister have expressed frustration over EU accession hurdles caused by a dispute with Bulgaria over Balkan history, language, and culture. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski accused the EU of “dictating” terms and insisted on no further delays in membership talks. Reports suggest that Albania’s EU accession process may proceed independently from North Macedonia’s, although the European Commission did not confirm the separation.
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 had agreed to insert a reference to a Bulgarian ethnic minority in the constitution to break the impasse, but lacked the majority to do so. Mickoski’s conservative government now insists on amending the constitution only if Bulgaria approves North Macedonia’s EU membership.
President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova compared the country’s path to EU membership to waiting for Godot, referencing the continued delays and conditions placed on North Macedonia. The country’s EU journey has faced obstacles in the past, such as a naming dispute with Greece that was resolved in 2018.
Opposition leader Venko Filipche criticized Mickoski’s government for the setback, calling it a disaster for citizens and future generations. The uncertainty surrounding North Macedonia’s EU membership reflects the ongoing challenges faced by countries in the Balkans attempting to join the European Union.
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