Skopje, 10 July 2025 (MIA) – Macedonian language and identity are not in danger. However, the country's integration into the Union is becoming increasingly distant due to the government’s policies and choices, SDSM leader Venko Filipche said Thursday.

At today’s press briefing, he said that the European Parliament’s recent vote and adoption of the report, are a result of the government’s deviation from strategic priorities and its exploitation of language and identity for political campaigning.

“This is also a direct result of the government’s diplomatic improvisations and complete neglect of the country’s international standing. In just one year, Macedonia has lost the trust of its strategic partners, and the current government is solely to blame,” Filipche said, adding that it is regrettable how unaware they are of the consequences and harm these policies are causing to the country and its citizens, as well as the uncertainty and apathy they are creating.

According to him, upon taking power, VMRO-DPMNE inherited a stable and clear position in the EU integration process, with the Macedonian language guaranteed in the European Union and a defined path for progress, but failed to fulfill any of its promises for a better negotiating position.

“They made promises and lied that they could do better. That they could secure a better deal with Bulgaria, that they could achieve a new negotiating framework, that they were within the perimeter and first in line. They claimed to have many partners who understand and support us. Unfortunately, none of that turned out to be true,” Filipche said.

Filipche noted that the Macedonian language, identity, and national status are fully recognized and protected within the European Union, as ensured by the negotiating framework and EU agreements, under which the Macedonian language is used in an official capacity. He stressed that these issues are not subject to negotiation, as they have already been resolved.

He also said noted that SDSM, with the support of European partners, successfully countered efforts to dispute them. In his view, the Macedonian people are committed to EU integration without compromising national dignity, with a clear goal of preserving both language and identity.

Photo: SDSM

Фото:СДСМ