Georg Georgiev: Constitutional Changes are Just the First Step for North Macedonia

Skopje – Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georgi Georgiev emphasized that the incorporation of Bulgarians into the Constitution is the first step, but not the sole requirement for initiating North Macedonia’s EU accession negotiations. He asserted that this matter transcends bilateral relations and aligns with the broader European consensus.

Georgiev remarked during the “Brussels 1” show, “It’s essential to understand that amending the Constitution to recognize Bulgarians as a state-building nation is just one criterion. We should not narrow the conversation to this single aspect, as there is a risk—one I hope will not materialize—of suggesting that once the inclusion happens and the constitutional amendments in line with European consensus are met, some might claim, ‘we told you Bulgarians have only one agenda.’”

He noted that the European consensus also encompasses the enforcement of the Good Neighbor Agreement with Bulgaria, along with its associated protocols, and the Action Plan dedicated to safeguarding the rights of minority groups.

“All these elements must be in place; otherwise, the European consensus will not be fulfilled, nor will the Council’s conclusions be met. If that is not established, we cannot proceed to open the first Cluster focusing on human rights,” Georgiev explained.

The Bulgarian Minister stated that while constitutional amendments will pave the way for European integration, other EU stipulations must also be adhered to, clarifying that this is not merely a bilateral concern or a subject of interstate debate.

Georgiev further expressed confusion over why Macedonian leaders remain silent about these issues with their citizens, representing the constitutional changes as the only demand in the process.

“That’s why I continuously urge my colleagues, in good faith, not to give the impression that this is being approached with any ulterior motives. It is quite clear that there are specific conditions outlined in black and white that guide the process,” Georgiev concluded. (April 15, 2025)


Comments

5 responses to “Georg Georgiev: Constitutional Changes are Just the First Step for North Macedonia”

  1. sw33per Avatar

    Oh, brilliant, so amending a constitution is the new ‘get out of jail’ card for EU membership—who knew? 🤔 I guess while we’re at it, let’s throw in a few more ‘essential’ changes, like recognizing flying pigs as a minority group. 🐷✈️

  2. doz killer Avatar
    doz killer

    Oh, brilliant! So all we need is a sprinkle of constitutional fairy dust to join the EU party? 🍾 Next, maybe they’ll just need to charm the bouncers at the club with a good old-fashioned sock puppet show. 🧦✨

  3. shamrock Avatar

    Isn’t it charming how constitutional amendments are the new fairy dust for EU accession? ✨ Just sprinkle a bit of recognition here, a dash of good neighborliness there, and voilà—everyone’s a European now! Keep dreaming, lads! 😏

  4. Mum Mary Avatar

    Oh, brilliant! Who knew that recognizing Bulgarians in the Constitution was the magic key to EU doors? Next, we can amend it to say that all disputes are settled over coffee and pastries—European style! 😂🇪🇺

  5. lady petal Avatar
    lady petal

    Oh, lovely, another constitutional makeover—because who doesn’t want their country’s future to hinge on a paragraph or two? 😏 Just wait until they try to squeeze in the “Everyone’s invited to the EU party” clause—bet that’ll go down as smoothly as a flat beer! 🍺

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