European Pressure on Bulgaria Intensifies: Debating the Macedonian Question

Title: European Pressure Mounts as Bulgaria’s Language Dispute Hinders North Macedonia’s EU Path

Date: June 21, 2023

In a recent development, the German parliament has adopted a resolution supporting the European path of the Republic of North Macedonia. The resolution recognizes the Macedonian culture, identity, and language, urging the German government to call on Bulgaria to support North Macedonia’s EU accession without imposing additional conditions. This move highlights the increasing pressure on Bulgaria from European partners regarding the ongoing language dispute.

The linguistic dispute between Bulgaria and North Macedonia has become a major obstacle in North Macedonia’s journey towards EU membership. Bulgaria has been holding up the start of membership talks, citing concerns over the recognition of the Macedonian language and the protection of the rights of the Bulgarian minority in North Macedonia.

Dimche Yamandiev, a prominent figure among Macedonian Bulgarians, shed light on the tensions between the two communities. He discussed the recent incident involving Bekir Kadrieski, a Macedonian citizen with Bulgarian self-awareness, who was attacked by an Albanian individual. Yamandiev clarified that the incident was a result of a verbal exchange and insults, rather than a brutal beating. He emphasized that tensions between different ethnic groups exist but dismissed the notion of any special animosity towards Macedonians with Bulgarian self-awareness.

At the executive level, relations between North Macedonia and Bulgaria have remained cold, with the issue being deferred to European partners for resolution. Yamandiev pointed out that Bulgaria has lacked a clear foreign policy approach towards North Macedonia since February. In contrast, North Macedonia has actively pursued diplomatic efforts to advance its EU aspirations. The recent involvement of the German parliament, recommending Bulgaria’s support for North Macedonia’s EU path, further underscores Bulgaria’s perceived inaction and lack of strategy.

Yamandiev expressed concerns about the pressure on Bulgaria and the need for a comprehensive solution for the Western Balkans region. He emphasized the importance of Bulgaria enforcing the rights of Bulgarians and addressing historical narratives in North Macedonian textbooks. He called for a long-term focus on resolving the issue to prevent its recurrence in the future.

Regarding the acceptance and enrollment of Bulgarians in the Constitution of North Macedonia, Yamandiev acknowledged the existence of a movement but highlighted opposition from the VMRO-DPMNE party, which seeks to hinder progress. He also raised questions about Vesela Cherneva, an adviser in Kiril Petkov’s cabinet, and her alleged close relations with the authorities in Skopje. Yamandiev urged politicians to address these concerns and hold accountable anyone found to have committed violations.

The discussion also touched upon Ilhan Kyuchuk, a Bulgarian MEP, and the withdrawal of a report in the European Union. Yamandiev offered a different perspective, praising Kyuchuk’s efforts to foster closer relations between the two countries. He criticized those attacking Kyuchuk, suggesting they were involved in the passport mafia in Skopje. Yamandiev supported the postponement of the vote, as it would allow time for constitutional changes and the inclusion of Bulgarians in the North Macedonian Constitution.

Yamandiev highlighted a significant change in North Macedonian law, which now allows individuals to identify themselves and record their nationality in their birth certificates. This change simplifies the process for applying for Bulgarian citizenship and provides an official document confirming Bulgarian self-awareness.

Overall, the European pressure on Bulgaria regarding the language dispute with North Macedonia continues to intensify. The involvement of the German parliament and ongoing discussions within the European Union reflect the urgency to find a resolution and pave the way for North Macedonia’s EU accession.Title: Tensions Rise Between Bulgaria and North Macedonia Following Attack on Bulgarian Activist

Date: February 2, 2023

Bulgaria’s parliament recently adopted a declaration condemning the attack on a Bulgarian activist in neighboring North Macedonia, further escalating tensions between the two countries. The incident involved Bekir Kadrieski, a Macedonian citizen with Bulgarian self-awareness, who was assaulted by an Albanian individual.

Dimche Yamandiev, who organized a petition with other Macedonian Bulgarians to revoke Bulgarian citizenship for those using language of hatred towards Bulgaria, provided insights into the ongoing tensions. According to Yamandiev, the incident involving Kadrieski was more of an altercation resulting from an exchange of verbal insults rather than a brutal beating.

Yamandiev emphasized that the tension between the two communities remains, but it is important to note that the incident was not indicative of any special attitude of Albanians towards Macedonians with Bulgarian self-awareness. He also mentioned that the executive power in Bulgaria has shown a lack of foreign policy engagement with North Macedonia since February, while the authorities in Skopje have actively pursued their goals, including garnering international support.

The German parliament’s recent resolution

north macedonia bulgaria

Lows for the use of the Macedonian language in all administrative and public services. He stated that this change is a positive step towards resolving the language dispute and promoting inclusivity in North Macedonia.

In conclusion, the ongoing language dispute between Bulgaria and North Macedonia continues to hinder North Macedonia’s EU path. However, there is increasing pressure from European partners, as highlighted by the recent resolution adopted by the German parliament, to support North Macedonia’s EU accession without imposing additional conditions. The tensions between different ethnic groups in North Macedonia, including Macedonian Bulgarians, were also discussed, with an emphasis on the need for a comprehensive solution and for Bulgaria to enforce the rights of Bulgarians. Overall, there is a call for effective diplomacy and cooperation between the two countries to address the language dispute and move forward in the EU integration process.