site.btaAssociation Protests to Merz, Macron, Mickoski over "Systematic" Use of Name "Macedonia", Hate Speech

PROTEST

TO THE CHANCELLOR OF GERMANY FRIEDRICH MERZ,

TO THE PRESIDENT OF FRANCE EMMANUEL MACRON,

TO THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA HRISTIJAN
MICKOSKI

FOR THE ATTENTION OF:

THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA ILIYANA IOTOVA

THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA RUMEN RADEV

THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
VELISLAVA PETROVA-CHAMOVA

Dear Chancellor Merz,
Dear President Macron,
Dear Prime Minister Mickoski,

We have taken note of the latest public statements made by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski following his meetings with Chancellor Merz and President Macron during the Summit of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), held in Tivat on 5 June 2026, in which the Republic of North Macedonia was referred to as “Macedonia”.

In this regard, the Association of Descendants of Refugees and Migrants from the Territory of North Macedonia and Friends expresses its strong protest against this systematic practice of using the designation “Macedonia” in disregard of the constitutional name of the state. Our Association represents the interests of more than 400,000 Bulgarian and, consequently, European citizens originating from what is now the Republic of North Macedonia, who form part of the more than 1.3 million Bulgarian citizens with roots in the geographical region of Macedonia. Such practice creates the false impression that the Chancellor of Germany and the President of France tolerate violations of international agreements and of the official commitments undertaken by the Republic of North Macedonia.

We would like to recall that the Republic of North Macedonia encompasses only 36% of the geographical region of Macedonia. The remaining 64% lies within Member States of the European Union. For this reason, no political leader can claim a monopoly over the name
Macedonia, nor does anyone have the right to present one part of the geographical region of Macedonia as the whole of Macedonia. The use of appropriate geographical and political qualifiers is therefore not a matter of preference, but of accuracy, correctness, and respect for
international agreements.

Of particular concern is the fact that, following his meetings with you, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has publicly created the impression among the citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia that his positions regarding the dispute with Bulgaria, as framed by him, enjoy the
understanding and support of leading European leaders. At the same time, he continues to employ confrontational rhetoric towards citizens of North Macedonia who have preserved their Bulgarian identity, towards Bulgaria itself, and towards all those who do not share his views.
This creates the dangerous illusion that the language of confrontation is compatible with European values and with the process of accession to the European Union.

We expect Chancellor Merz and President Macron to clearly distance themselves from any attempts by the authorities in Skopje to use their names and international standing to legitimize political messages that run counter to the spirit of European law, international agreements, and good-neighbourly relations. If such interpretations do not reflect the actual substance of the discussions held, silence would inevitably be perceived as acquiescence in the misuse of their authority for the purpose of sustaining anti-Bulgarian rhetoric, both in the domestic political arena and internationally.

Respect for international commitments, the protection of human rights, and the rejection of hate speech are fundamental prerequisites for European integration, not matters of political interpretation. If these conditions are not fulfilled, the European Union will become weaker
rather than stronger, as this would encourage the emergence of new divisions within the Union itself. European integration can be sustainable and successful only when founded upon the rule of law, good-neighbourly relations, and respect for international treaties.

Yours sincerely,
Co-chairs: Prof. DSc. Spas Tashev, Prof. DSc. Trendafil Mitev, Iliya Stoyanovski
Secretary: Dimitar M. Dimitrov