site.btaForeign Ministry in Sofia Reacts to European Parliament Committee Report on North Macedonia

Approached by the media for a reaction to the Report of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) on the progress of the Republic of North Macedonia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria on Tuesday issued the following position:

"The Ministry takes note of the content of the report, including the assessments and findings regarding the European integration of the Republic of North Macedonia.

"We welcome the resolve of AFET to not tolerate being drawn into speculative nationalist narratives related to claims of  'centuries-old Macedonian identity', which are contrary to the European values of inclusivity and injure the feelings of both the Bulgarians and the members of other communities in the Republic of North Macedonia.

"Bulgaria has consistently stated that it does not object to present-day 'modern' perceptions of identity of any individual or community - this is a matter of personal choice. Regrettably, the manipulative interpretation of this position on the part of the authorities in Skopje often serves to justify the failure to honour the commitments assumed. This is one of the reasons for the delayed process of European integration of the Republic of North Macedonia.

"Our apprehensions regarding the policies of the Republic of North Macedonia are prompted above all by two key issues:

"1. Guaranteeing the right of Bulgarians in the Republic of North Macedonia to self-determination, without fear of persecution and discrimination;

"2. Preventing provocations against millions of Bulgarian citizens who are citizens of the European Union and many of whom are descendants of Bulgarians from the geographical region of Macedonia. 

"Bulgaria remains committed to all elements of the 2022 European Consensus, whose implementation is the only option for European integration of our southwestern neighbour. This position was categorically confirmed by the National Assembly resolutions of June 2022 and May 2025," the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry declared in its position, quoted by its Press Centre.