Bulgaria and North Macedonia face diplomatic stalemate amid new 2030 strategy

Bulgaria has released its foreign policy management program through 2030, emphasizing the importance of regional stability and its commitment to the European Union and NATO. A central component of this strategy involves relations with North Macedonia, where Sofia aims to ensure the fulfillment of bilateral obligations and the protection of Bulgarian rights within the country by May 2030.

Despite the strategic framework, diplomatic progress between Sofia and Skopje remains stalled. North Macedonian Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski stated that while communication continues at various levels, there has been a lack of concrete dialogue or proposals recently that could resolve the dispute and unblock North Macedonia’s EU path.

North Macedonia maintains that any resolution must ensure a predictable European process and guarantees that no new bilateral conditions will follow constitutional changes. Conversely, Bulgaria insists that North Macedonia must fulfill the 2022 European consensus, specifically regarding the inclusion of Bulgarians in the constitution. Recent diplomatic efforts, including meetings between heads of state and the appointment of a new ambassador, have yet to produce a final agreement.