Skopje, 10 December 2025 (MIA) – President Gordana Siljanovska – Davkova said EU’s conclusions on the country could be changed and a solution to the dispute with Bulgaria could be possible, but it’s not something that could be decided by her country.

“From our prism, the conclusion could be changed, but we don’t make the decision. It’s true that we have discussed solutions. Maybe no one can see it, but I think the rhetoric by the EU’s top officials has been changed in view of this issue because it’s not only one precedent, it is a story that will repeat unless a solution is found from the start. That’s why I have proposed some solutions,” stated Siljanovska – Davkova speaking to reporters when asked whether EU’s conclusions could be changed as requested by the Macedonian side and whether Sofia is willing to re-negotiate positions. 

On Bulgaria’s demands for constitutional change as a condition to unblock the EU integration process, the President said if the rights of the Bulgarian minority in the country had been violated, she would have been the first to support a measure aimed at improving them. 

However, she noted, we have one of the best constitutional guarantees involving the rights of minorities. 

“Oftentimes, we hear French proposal. I think this adjective is not adequate because France hasn’t signed the framework convention on the protection of the rights of minorities. To name the proposal on guaranteeing minority rights as French is not ok. I’m not accusing France or the EU, it’s not my intention, because our representatives in the history commission took part in drafting the conclusions and the solutions,” stated the President.

Siljanovska – Davkova insisted that exit solutions could be found.

“I’ve said it already that it is difficult to change a third protocol with a second one, but a statement for the opening of negotiations is adopted prior to the launch of negotiations at an intergovernmental conference. There is a chance for interpretation. I think we have to set aside history, culture and language from the criteria. Minority rights are part of the Copenhagen criteria, but in terms of minority rights we have incorporated high standards in the Constitution,” she said. 

The same cannot be said of our eastern neighbour, the President noted. 

“Usually, you demand what you can guarantee from others. If you don’t guarantee implementation of the verdicts of the Strasbourg Court of Human Rights all the while claiming you abide by human rights protection, then you have a problem,” said President Siljanovska – Davkova said after the opening of an international forum, organized by the Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN). 

MIA file photo