During an interview with Sitel Television, the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski, addressed the country’s aspirations for European Union membership while stating he could not commit to accepting any policy that contradicts his convictions. Mickoski criticized a previous government’s signing of a negotiating framework, specifically noting that making the inclusion of the Bulgarian community in the national constitution was a prerequisite for talks, which he characterized as a significant political concession. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the Minorities Action Plan, stating it was developed following guidance from Brussels and was crucial for proceeding with EU negotiations.
He attributed the stalled progress to Bulgaria, citing it as another instance where the nation’s advancement has been obstructed. He also noted that an application for associate membership in the Three Seas initiative had been similarly blocked by Bulgaria. Regarding diplomatic relations, Mickoski stated he reached out to Rumen Radev, the leader of the winning Progressive Bulgaria coalition, to wish him success and maintain good neighborly relations.
He affirmed Macedonia’s readiness for dialogue aimed at achieving integration into the EU, though he acknowledged that this might not be a primary focus for the next Bulgarian administration. In response to opposition claims that the government was damaging neighborly ties, Mickoski countered by listing infrastructure projects, such as gas and oil pipelines connecting to Greece and Thessaloniki, and the modernization of Corridor 8 with Bulgaria. He asserted that these efforts are not provocations but necessary actions taken to defend the identity and strategic interests of the country.
Topics: #country #macedonia #inclusion
This statement suggests the PM views external political demands as a threat to national sovereignty.
What specific constitutional changes regarding Bulgarians would the Prime Minister consider a “historical capitulation”?