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

North Macedonia's PM rules out unconditional constitutional recognition of Bulgarians

Hristijan Mickoski
Photo: AP/BTA

North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said his government will not unconditionally recognise Bulgarians in the country’s constitution. “Nobody has the right to expect this government to make constitutional changes unconditionally,” he told Kanal 5, as cited by BTA.

Recognition of Bulgarians in the constitution is a key demand in the EU negotiation framework for North Macedonia to begin membership talks with the European Union.

Mickoski added that, as long as he is prime minister, no constitutional changes will take place “without clear fulfilment of obligations by our eastern neighbour, as well as concrete guarantees from the European Union.” He said that if the EU truly wants to see his country join, it should offer some of the support it provides to other nations.

Following her visit to Skopje on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X that she supports North Macedonia’s European path. She noted that the only remaining step before negotiations can begin is the agreed constitutional change.

Editor: Diana Tsankova
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

Ivelin Mihaylov

Bulgaria’s Anti-Corruption Commission probes 'Velichie' party in major property fraud case

Bulgaria’s Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating a large-scale property fraud and money laundering scheme connected to the 'Historical Park', which is associated with Ivelin Mihaylov, the leader of the Velichie party. Those arrested include the..

published on 11/26/25 2:30 PM
Boyko Borissov

Borissov cites EU defence adjustment to claim a 2026 deficit of 2.7%

The ruling party and the opposition argued about the procedure for the Budget Committee meeting before the final vote on the 2006 budget .  Assen Vassilev, chairman of the We Continue the Change party, attempted to block the committee’s extraordinary..

published on 11/26/25 2:15 PM

Agriculture and forestry workers protest for higher salaries

Employees in the agriculture and forestry sector staged a protest in front of the Parliament, demanding higher salaries for workers in departments that are secondary budget administrators. The protest was organized by the National Federation of..

published on 11/26/25 12:34 PM