Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria’s MFA: Our concerns regarding North Macedonia are linked to the rights of Bulgarians to self-determination

Photo: mfa.bg

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken note of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) report on the Republic of North Macedonia’s progress, including its assessments and findings on the country's European integration process.

'We welcome AFET’s determination not to be drawn into speculative nationalist narratives related to claims of a “centuries-old Macedonian identity”, which contradict European values of inclusion and hurt the feelings of both Bulgarians and representatives of other communities in North Macedonia,' said the Bulgarian MFA in a statement.


The position emphasizes that Bulgaria “has no objections to the contemporary ‘modern’ perceptions of identity of any individual or community — this is a matter of personal choice. Unfortunately, manipulative interpretations of this stance by the authorities in Skopje often serve as an excuse for failing to meet commitments. This is one of the reasons for the delay in North Macedonia’s European integration process.”


The MFA highlights that Bulgaria’s concerns about North Macedonia’s policies relate primarily to two key issues: guaranteeing the right of Bulgarians in North Macedonia to self-determination without fear of persecution or discrimination and preventing provocations against millions of Bulgarian citizens — who are also citizens of the European Union — many of whom are descendants of Bulgarians from the geographical region of Macedonia.


Bulgaria reaffirms its commitment to all elements of the 2022 European Consensus, the implementation of which is the only path to the European integration of its south-western neighbour. This position was firmly confirmed by the decisions of the Bulgarian National Assembly in June 2022 and May 2025.”


Editor: Miglena Ivanova
Posted in English by E. Radkova



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

GERB-SDS continues to be the leading political force

A quarter of voters in Bulgaria continue to support the first political force GERB-SDS, which maintains a significant lead over the other political parties, according to data from a survey published today by the "Gallup International Balkan"..

published on 7/28/25 5:20 PM
Rosen Zhelyazkov with Maia Sandu

PM Rosen Zhelyazkov expresses government’s support for Moldova’s European integration

During a meeting with the President of Moldova Maia Sandu within the frameworks of his official visit to Chisinau, Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stated that Bulgaria firmly supports Moldova’s European integration. PM Zhelyazkov pointed..

published on 7/28/25 4:07 PM
Interior Minister Daniel Mitov

Interior minister thanks all people fighting the wildfires in the country

When we look at the Bulgarian firefighters and the international teams, we see the real meaning of duty, of professionalism and European solidarity in action, Interior Minister Daniel Mitov wrote on Facebook. The state will classify..

published on 7/28/25 1:08 PM