North Macedonia’s path toward full EU membership stalled by impasse with Bulgaria
- On May 16, 2025, in Skopje, European Council President António Costa urged North Macedonia to revise its constitution to provide protections for the Bulgarian minority as part of its efforts to progress toward EU membership.
- The EU enlargement process in 2022 encountered setbacks due to disagreements with Bulgaria concerning historical and linguistic issues related to the Balkans. While the previous government agreed to constitutional changes recognizing the Bulgarian minority, it lacked sufficient parliamentary support to enact them.
- Costa emphasized North Macedonia must fulfill prior agreements while the current conservative government demands Bulgaria approve EU membership before any constitutional changes.
- Costa stated, “There is no longer any room to ask for anything more,” while Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said, “If only one side delivers, it is not realistic.”
- The impasse suggests further delays in North Macedonia’s EU progress and highlights the complexities of enlargement amid regional bilateral disputes and reform requirements.
21 Articles
21 Articles
North Macedonia's path toward full EU membership stalled by impasse with Bulgaria
European Council President António Costa on Thursday called on North Macedonia to change its constitution to include the Bulgarian minority as a way for the country to continue its path toward full European Union membership.

North Macedonia’s path toward full EU membership stalled by impasse with Bulgaria
European Council President António Costa has called on North Macedonia to change its constitution to include the Bulgarian minority as a way for the country to continue its path toward full European Union membership.
Bulgaria's Stalemate Hinders North Macedonia's EU Aspirations
North Macedonia’s journey toward full European Union membership has hit a significant roadblock due to ongoing disputes with Bulgaria. European Council President António Costa has urged North Macedonia to amend its constitution to recognize the Bulgarian minority, a move seen as essential for advancing EU accession talks that began in 2022. Key Takeaways North Macedonia’s EU membership is stalled due to a dispute with Bulgaria over historical a…


EU’s Costa calls on North Macedonia to change constitution over impasse with Bulgaria
European Council President Antonio Costa has called on North Macedonia to change its constitution to include the Bulgarian minority as a way for the country to continue its path toward full European Union membership.
Costa Calls on North Macedonia to Resolve Dispute with Bulgaria and Amend Constitution
European Council President António Costa on Thursday called on North Macedonia to amend its constitution to include its Bulgarian minority, saying it would improve its position in its bid to become full member of the European Union. The report comes from the AP. The European Union has opened accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia in 2022. The AP reports that this was also due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which forced a reassessment…
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