North Macedonia is calling for the European Union and NATO to participate in crucial discussions with Bulgaria during the upcoming NATO summit, aiming to resolve a long-standing dispute that’s stalling its path to EU membership.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski revealed on Friday that his government wants to engage in direct talks with Bulgaria during the summit in The Hague, with the hope that EU and NATO leaders will join in as neutral parties to help mediate the tensions.
North Macedonia, a NATO member since 2020, has been striving to join the European Union since it was granted candidate status in 2005. Although official membership negotiations began in 2022, progress has been blocked by Bulgaria, which has raised objections over historical narratives and the recognition of a Bulgarian minority within North Macedonia’s constitution.
“We are ready to talk at a bilateral level within NATO partnership frameworks,” Mickoski said during a joint press conference in Skopje with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. “Anyone who wants to assist — we are open to that,” he added, emphasizing the need for international mediation to finally push through the deadlock.
Bulgaria’s main demand is for North Macedonia to formally acknowledge a Bulgarian minority in its national constitution — a move that the Mickoski-led nationalist government has so far refused. The political standoff continues to strain diplomatic relations and delay EU integration, despite broader regional support for North Macedonia’s accession.
Kaja Kallas, who is currently touring the Western Balkans, praised North Macedonia for its alignment with EU foreign and security policies, including its contribution to the EU’s peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “My message today is to stay the course,” Kallas said. “North Macedonia should take the necessary steps toward opening the next phase of negotiations.”
Mickoski said the proposed meeting during the NATO summit was discussed and agreed upon with Kallas, but it remains uncertain whether the Bulgarian side will accept the offer. “We are willing to sit down with anyone and accept mediation,” he reiterated. “We want a solution, but it must be a dignified and lasting one. We are tired of constant delays caused by unresolved bilateral issues.”
This diplomatic push comes at a pivotal moment for the Balkans, as EU and NATO officials intensify efforts to foster regional cooperation and integration. If successful, the talks could be a significant step toward finally unlocking North Macedonia’s stalled EU bid and improving relations with Bulgaria.
