Orbán criticizes EU for delaying North Macedonia's accession bid
- Viktor Orbán visited North Macedonia and criticized the EU for delaying the country's accession bid.
- The delay is linked to a dispute with Bulgaria over historical and cultural issues.
- Orbán's mediation offer highlights the ongoing challenges North Macedonia faces in its EU integration efforts.
During a recent visit to North Macedonia, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticized the European Union for further delaying the country's bid to join the bloc, claiming it undermines North Macedonia's national pride. The delay is primarily due to a dispute with Bulgaria over historical and cultural issues, which has complicated North Macedonia's EU accession process. Orbán offered to mediate between North Macedonia and Bulgaria to resolve the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, EU ambassadors have decided to advance Albania's EU accession independently, which Orbán warned could be detrimental to both countries' interests. The new conservative government in North Macedonia, led by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, has stated it will only amend the constitution to address Bulgarian demands if Bulgaria first supports North Macedonia's EU membership. This situation reflects the broader challenges faced by North Macedonia in its pursuit of EU integration, as it navigates bilateral disputes that have historically hindered its progress.