Skopje, 10 August 2026 (MIA) - There is nothing secret in this. The Government has a clear and firm position that it will not accept constitutional changes under Bulgarian dictate, says Deputy PM and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski and adds that the blockade from Sofia is political and has nothing to do with Macedonia's progress.

Deputy PM Nikoloski told Sitel that everything is already well documented - the inherited agreement that the previous authorities had signed but were not able to deliver, and VMRO-DPMNE's clear and firm position that constitutional changes under Bulgarian dictate will not materialize.

"It is normal for the two countries to communicate. The point is that if a solution is found, it needs to meet the principles of VMRO-DPMNE and the Government. If those principles are not respected, then a solution will not be reached, as simple as that," says Nikoloski.

The Deputy PM said there is no difference in the negotiations now compared to last year.

"It is a fact that we see a positive momentum regarding enlargement that we did not see a year or two before. And it is also a fact that the Government's commitment and PM Mickoski's personal involvement when it comes to the reform agenda have produced big results in reforms, finances, and country's image," says Nikoloski.

According to him, Macedonia is "arguably the best performer regarding the reform agenda."

"This contributes to the country's credibility, because we are showing that we truly want to implement reforms and that the Bulgarian blockade is political and not linked to any segment of the reforms, be it rule of law, economy, social affairs, or infrastructure. This also helps improve the country's image," says Nikoloski.

On the PM's visit to Brussels and whether he will hold political meetings and discussions related to unblocking the country's Euro-integration process, Nikoloski says "as far as I know, it is a family trip."

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