North Macedonia criticizes Brussels, compares EU accession process to ‘Waiting for Godot’

North Macedonia’s president and prime minister have expressed frustration over obstacles from Brussels related to a dispute with Bulgaria over Balkan history, language, and culture. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski criticized the EU for trying to dictate the country’s actions and insisted on no further delays in membership talks. Reports suggest that the EU is moving forward with Albania’s accession process separately from North Macedonia’s, indicating a potential split in the negotiations. The EU began talks with both Balkan countries in 2022, but North Macedonia’s bid was delayed due to a dispute with Bulgaria. The previous government had agreed to insert a reference to a Bulgarian ethnic minority in the constitution to break the impasse, but Mickoski’s government now links this change to Bulgaria’s approval of North Macedonia’s EU membership. President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova likened the country’s EU path to waiting for Godot at the UN General Assembly. The dispute with Bulgaria is reminiscent of the one with Greece that was resolved in 2018 when North Macedonia changed its name. The main opposition leader blamed Mickoski’s government for the setback, calling it a disaster for citizens and future generations. The ongoing dispute threatens North Macedonia’s European Union aspirations and highlights the challenges faced by the country in its bid for EU membership.

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