We support the European perspective of all Western Balkan countries based on the objective membership criteria, stated the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

SOFIA – Bulgaria acknowledges the resolution adopted by the European Parliament, which avoids involving the institution in attempts at political instrumentalization by the Republic of North Macedonia (RNM), aimed at circumventing the commitments arising from the so-called European compromise of 2022. This is stated in a position of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) regarding the annual report on the progress of RNM on its path to the EU, adopted by the EP.

In the context of the enlargement of the European Union, issues related to identity and language should be considered within the framework of scientific and academic discourse, as they do not fall within the scope of the institutional assessment of the progress of candidate countries against objective and measurable criteria for accession, the MFA points out.

With its decision, the EP confirmed its role as an impartial and independent body committed to monitoring the reform progress of the Republic of North Macedonia. The findings in the areas of the rule of law, protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, functioning of democratic institutions, implementation of key reforms, fulfillment of contractual commitments, as well as the impact of external factors are of particular importance. These aspects should be the focus of the efforts of the authorities in Skopje if the goal remains lasting European integration, notes the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Bulgaria consistently supports the European perspective of all Western Balkan countries, based on objective membership criteria and strict adherence to the principle of own merits. Deviations from established conditionality, as well as attempts to use European institutions to achieve short-term domestic political goals, not only delay the accession process but also undermine trust among countries in the region. This has a negative impact on good neighborly relations, which are an element of the process of accession to the EU, the MFA states.

United in our efforts, we have shown that the debate on EU enlargement must continue, but based on the principle of own merits, said Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev.

The removal of references to language and identity in the report on the progress of the Republic of North Macedonia on its path to the EU was defined by Vice President Iliana Yotova as a success for Bulgaria. She recalled the letter from the head of state Rumen Radev to the leaders of European institutions and EU member states, in which he states that Bulgaria will not accept a replacement of the hard-won European compromise for RNM.
From now on, Bulgaria must even more confidently and assertively defend the rights of its compatriots in the Republic of North Macedonia, said Vice President Yotova.

When Bulgaria is united, we can achieve results, commented the leader of GERB Boyko Borissov. To our friends in North Macedonia, I extend my hand again – let us move forward together, based on respect and the implementation of the Treaty of Friendship and Good Neighborliness. And on the European consensus of 2022., said Borissov.

Thanks to the joint efforts of all parliamentary groups represented in the EP, Bulgaria managed to impose its viewpoint, said the leader of “Revival” Kostadin Kostadinov.

The European Parliament did not allow itself to be drawn into the propaganda strategy of the authorities in RNM, stated a position from BSP. Issues related to identity and language should remain in the realm of historical debate and not be used as a means of political pressure or refusal of international commitments undertaken. Such a practice is incompatible with the spirit of good neighborliness and with the criteria for EU accession, the party believes.

Bulgaria defended its national interest, said the leader of “There is such a people” Slavi Trifonov, noting the activity of his party, the firm position of the National Assembly, and the efforts of Bulgarian MEPs. He added that from now on, the country will react in this way every time Bulgarian interests and the rights of Bulgarians are infringed.

The annual report of the European Parliament on the progress of the Republic of North Macedonia on its path to the EU was adopted with 461 votes “for”, 121 votes “against”, and 107 “abstentions” from 689 votes in the 720-seat parliament during a plenary session in Strasbourg. The draft report on the country’s progress on its path to the EU caused tension in Bulgaria due to the wording “Macedonian language and identity” present in it. In the report adopted by the EP, references to language and identity were removed following written amendments submitted by MEPs Andzhey Halitski (EPP), Katlen Van Brempt (S&D), and Dan Barna (“Renew Europe”). (09.07.2025)