SOFIA – Bulgaria has recognized the European Parliament’s resolution, which aims to prevent the political manipulation attempts by the Republic of North Macedonia (RNM) that seek to bypass the obligations outlined in the European compromise of 2022. This was stated in a position of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) concerning the annual report on RNM’s progress toward EU membership, which was approved by the EP.
When discussing the enlargement of the European Union, matters of identity and language should be approached through scientific and academic discourse, as they do not fit into the institutional evaluation of candidate countries based on objective and measurable accession criteria, the MFA emphasized.
The EP’s decision reaffirms its role as an impartial and independent body dedicated to tracking the reform progress of the Republic of North Macedonia. Key areas such as the rule of law, fundamental rights protection, democratic institution functioning, key reform implementation, and adherence to contractual obligations are critical. The Bulgarian MFA noted that these issues should be the central focus for the authorities in Skopje if they aim for sustained European integration.
Bulgaria maintains its support for the European aspirations of all Western Balkan nations, grounded in objective membership criteria and strict adherence to the principle of merit-based evaluation. Any deviations from established conditions or attempts to manipulate European institutions for short-term domestic political objectives not only hinder the accession process but also erode trust amongst regional countries, adversely affecting good neighborly relations essential for EU accession, the MFA stated.
United in our efforts, we have shown that discussions on EU enlargement must persist, rooted in the principle of merit, declared Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev.
Vice President Iliana Yotova hailed the removal of references to language and identity in the RNM progress report as a victory for Bulgaria. She referred to President Rumen Radev‘s letter to European leaders emphasizing that Bulgaria will not accept any replacement of the hard-won European compromise concerning RNM.
Bulgaria must now more confidently and assertively advocate for the rights of its compatriots in the Republic of North Macedonia, Yotova asserted.
When Bulgaria stands united, we can achieve results, remarked GERB leader Boyko Borissov. To our friends in North Macedonia, I extend my hand once more – let us advance together, based on respect and the implementation of the Treaty of Friendship and Good Neighborliness, along with the European consensus of 2022., Borissov stated.
Thanks to the collective efforts of all parliamentary groups in the EP, Bulgaria was able to assert its perspective, claimed “Revival” leader Kostadin Kostadinov.
The European Parliament refrained from getting involved in the RNM authorities’ propaganda strategy, according to a statement from BSP. Matters of identity and language should remain a subject of historical discussion and not be utilized as political leverage or a means to avoid international obligations. Such practices contradict the principles of good neighborliness and the criteria for EU accession, the party asserted.
Bulgaria successfully defended its national interest, said “There is such a people” leader Slavi Trifonov, highlighting his party’s activities, the firm stance of the National Assembly, and the efforts of Bulgarian MEPs. He noted that from now on, the country will respond similarly whenever Bulgarian interests and the rights of Bulgarians are at stake.
The European Parliament’s annual report on the Republic of North Macedonia’s progress toward EU membership was approved with 461 votes in favor, 121 against, and 107 abstentions out of 689 votes during a plenary session in Strasbourg. The draft report had stirred tensions in Bulgaria due to the presence of the terms “Macedonian language and identity,” which were removed in the adopted report following amendments proposed by MEPs Andzhey Halitski (EPP), Katlen Van Brempt (S&D), and Dan Barna (“Renew Europe”). (09.07.2025)
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