Mickoski proposes EU participation in North Macedonia's dialogue with Bulgaria

North Macedonia's Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated in an interview with the MIA news agency over the weekend that Skopje is ready to discuss a plan with Bulgaria to protect the rights of minorities and communities in the country, but insists on the participation of an EU representative in the dialogue, BTA has reported. In the interview, he noted that such a process requires trust and a willingness to engage in dialogue from both sides.

The plan is part of the conditions for North Macedonia's European integration path and must include measures against discrimination and hate speech. The European Commission has also pointed to another unmet condition: constitutional amendments to include Bulgarians among the listed communities. This step would pave the way for North Macedonia's EU membership.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova