North Macedonia’s path toward full EU membership stalled by impasse with Bulgaria
- European Council President Antonio Costa and North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski held a press conference in Skopje on May 15, 2025, discussing EU membership progress and obstacles.
- The core obstacle remains a dispute with Bulgaria, which demands constitutional recognition of the Bulgarian minority before approving North Macedonia's EU accession.
- While the previous center-left government agreed to this constitutional amendment, it lacked a majority to enact it, and the current conservative government refuses changes without Bulgaria first approving membership.
- Costa urged North Macedonia to fulfill prior commitments, calling EU enlargement 'the best strategic investment' and stressing reforms on rule of law and anti-corruption are essential.
- The ongoing impasse delays North Macedonia's EU accession talks, indicating that future progress depends on resolving bilateral issues and maintaining commitment to reforms.
15 Articles
15 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.
Kosta: I encourage Prime Minister Mickoski to invest his efforts to enable further progress in the EU process
Skopje – North Macedonia has done a lot of work and therefore you need to stay on that path. The accession process is more of a marathon than a sprint; it is a demanding process that can sometimes be frustrating, as has happened with all previous candidates. But they all achieved their goal, and certainly, you will achieve your goal too, but with your determination, hard work, and cooperation, you will succeed in the end by overcoming the obstac…
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