Skopje, 21 July 2025 (MIA) – Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated that a joint resolution with Bulgaria in the European Parliament, affirming the distinctiveness of the Macedonian identity and the Macedonian language, would be an example of how two countries can demonstrate good neighbourly relations and mutual support.

He did not say whether there has been a response from official Sofia to his proposal for a joint resolution, but noted that his initiative was “a response to the issue raised by Bulgarian President Rumen Radev” and his statement that the only condition was the constitutional change and inclusion of the Macedonian citizens who identify as members of the Bulgarian community.

“That’s why I said, fine, if that is the only condition, then before we even get to fulfilling it, let’s jointly propose a resolution, through the Bulgarian MEPs, that affirms the distinct Macedonian identity and the distinct Macedonian language, together as neighbours. And then, as a sign of goodwill, the Bulgarian state should implement the rulings from Strasbourg concerning the human rights denied to Macedonians in Bulgaria, and finally register ‘OMO Ilinden–Pirin,’ so that the organization can nominate its representative to the Council of Ministers for the Protection of Minority Rights in Bulgaria. Let’s do this together, as good neighbours. We fulfil our obligation, they fulfil theirs,” Mickoski told reporters on Monday in Tetovo.

According to PM Mickoski, this is the way “to show what it means to be good neighbours and to support one another.”

He added that this is “in fact also part of the Treaty of Good Neighbourliness signed by Zaev and Borissov in August 2017.”

Photo: MIA archive