Oct 14, 2024 — North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has revealed that he is finalizing a letter to the European Union containing new proposals aimed at advancing the country’s stalled negotiation process with the bloc. The announcement comes amid increasing pressure to resolve ongoing disputes over constitutional changes.
“The letter to the EU is being prepared,” Mickoski told reporters. “Before I send it, I want to have a clearer picture of where we are and what we can do. I do not agree with the idea that there is no optimism, nor do I believe there is a lack of understanding for our positions.”
The prime minister said he was determined to find a solution that respects national interests, rejecting any form of external influence. Last weekend, he announced plans to engage with the European Commission and other partners through institutional channels in search of what he described as a “dignified solution.”
While Mickoski remains firm in his approach, the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) has expressed readiness to support the government if the implementation of constitutional changes, a critical sticking point in the negotiations, is delayed.
SDSM officials stressed that they would not obstruct the country’s future for political gain, signaling that they could back Mickoski’s new proposals under certain conditions.
Meanwhile, there has been speculation in the media about a possible meeting between Mickoski, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev. Mickoski dismissed these rumors, stating that he had no information about such a meeting but would be open to discussions with Radev.
Bulgaria has posed significant obstacles to North Macedonia’s EU integration process, primarily by insisting that the country amend its constitution to recognize the Bulgarian minority. Sofia has also demanded that Skopje formally address historical and cultural disputes, including issues related to language and identity. These conditions, which have delayed North Macedonia’s accession talks, have sparked tensions between the two nations and complicated efforts to resolve the longstanding disagreements over minority rights and national identity.
