Macedonia calls out Bulgaria for obstructing EU path since 1990

In an extraordinary press conference held in Skopje, Macedonia, on an unspecified date, Prime Minister Christian Mitskoski expressed deep concern over Bulgaria's actions against Macedonia's European Union aspirations. He characterized Bulgaria's role in obstructing Macedonia's accession to the EU as not just a recent development but one that dates back to 1990, underscoring a long history of injustice for the Macedonian nation. Mitskoski emphasized the need for unity among allies to combat these challenges and called for a fight for fundamental justice, framing the current struggles of Macedonia in a historical context of socio-economic and identity injustices. The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responding to the situation, acknowledged the resolution adopted by the European Parliament regarding Macedonia's EU progress. This resolution notably refrained from engaging in identity and language discussions that Bulgaria views as instrumentalized politically by Macedonia. The Bulgarian MFA asserted that such identity issues should be analyzed through scientific discourse rather than being a factor in EU accession assessments, thereby emphasizing that adherence to established membership criteria is critical for the region's stability and trust. Support from Bulgaria for the European perspective of all Western Balkan nations was reiterated, highlighting the need for strict application of objective standards for EU accession. Figures within Bulgaria's government, including Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev and Vice President Iliana Yotova, praised the resolution's omission of language and identity references, viewing it as a victory for Bulgaria’s longstanding stance on these matters. The report on Macedonia's EU progress was passed with 461 votes in favor, but it incited tensions in Bulgaria due to the inclusion of terms related to Macedonian identity. The broader implications of this ongoing dispute between Macedonia and Bulgaria reflect the complex nature of Balkan politics and the urgent need for both countries to maintain good neighborly relations. Mitskoski's statements reveal a sentiment of betrayal felt among Macedonians, suggesting that recognition and resolution of historical injustices are essential for mutual trust and cooperation in future relations. The need for cooperation not only remains paramount for Macedonia's EU accession ambitions but also as a framework for fostering stability and regional harmony in the Western Balkans.