Skopje, 21 July 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski said Monday he believes the proposal for a joint resolution with Bulgaria affirming the uniqueness of the Macedonian identity and language in the European Parliament has reached Bulgaria. “Now,” he said, “Sofia has the chance to show whether it will stand on the side of progress, which is not only in our interest, but also in Europe's.”

Mucunski was responding to a journalist’s question over Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski’s statement that he would ask Bulgaria to submit a joint resolution in the European Parliament for the recognition of the Macedonian language and identity.

“I am convinced that the proposal has reached them, considering that such a statement is made by the Prime Minister, on such an issue that affects all citizens. I believe that Bulgaria has an opportunity to demonstrate maturity and a capacity to move forward, towards the challenges of the 21st century. We will always urge dialogue and reason in our bilateral relations, since our future should be shared. We are two neighboring countries that have a lot they need to do together for a better life for our citizens. One such positive initiative is the current development related to Corridor VIII, a political-security corridor but also a trade corridor that will benefit us all, the entire region, as well as European stability,” Mucunski said. 

The Foreign Minister said results can be achieved through shared willingness and expressed his regret that “the political discourse in Bulgaria is stuck in the 19th century”.

“The acceptance of the Prime Minister’s gesture is not tied to the fact or the question whether we believe in our centuries-old history, identity and language. All the points raised by the expert public are well-known facts, confirmed by international organizations and the scientific world. However, the academic community sometimes also needs to be aware of the political reality, which is that our neighbor, despite these undeniable facts, continues to deny our identity, our history and our language. For us, this poses not only a risk but also an obstacle. So, what do we say, what is the Prime Minister’s initiative? Let’s show a gesture, a signal, an initiative to eliminate that obstacle. That’s why, at this moment, it is Sofia’s turn to show whether it will move forward into the 21st century or remain stuck in 19th-century rhetoric. I want to believe in Sofia’s reason and progressiveness. These are difficult decisions, but we were all elected to make difficult decisions. Now Sofia has the chance to show whether it will stand on the side of progress, which is not only in our interest, but also in Europe’s,” Mucunski said. 

Photo: MIA