Skopje, 27 August 2025 (MIA) - Skopje is currently not prepared to adopt the constitutional changes requested by Sofia, unless it receives firm guarantees from the European Union that this will be the last such request, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski told Politico during his visit to Brussels.

“Our fear is: if we do them [the constitutional changes], what happens if in six months down the road again Bulgaria comes to us with a request on issues such as history, identity and language,” Mucunski said.

Mucunski stressed that North Macedonia is ready and already working on all other necessary reforms not just because they are required by the Union, but also because they necessary for a stronger society.

“If tomorrow, the member states come to us and say you need to do more on good governance, the rule of law – we understand. And not only we understand, but we also feel that it is an obligation that we must undertake,” the Minister said.

In the interview, Mucunski also touched upon the geopolitical context, stressing that he understands the urgency around Ukraine’s integration, but adding that it mustn’t come at the expense of the Western Balkans.

“The quickest, and probably the cheapest, investment in European stability that can be made is for the European Union to open its doors as soon as possible for the entire region. Because I do not think that selective enlargement is the best option,” Mucunski stressed.

The Foreign Minister recalled that North Macedonia began its European path alongside Croatia, noting that while Croatia is now a member of the Schengen Area and uses the euro, North Macedonia is yet to launch its membership negotiations. However, the country’s top diplomat voiced his belief that enlargement is still possible.

“We hear about skepticism toward enlargement. But North Macedonia – culturally, socially, and politically – is a European society. If we carry out the reforms properly, I don’t believe there will be strong resistance to the accession of our region,” Mucunski said.

In addition to topics related to EU membership, Mucunski, in his interview with Politico, also spoke about the support North Macedonia provides to Ukraine, its contribution to the NATO Alliance, and its full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. He also pointed out that North Macedonia was the first country in the region to sign a security and defense partnership with the European Union – even before the United Kingdom and Canada.

Photo: MIA