Bulgaria and North Macedonia face diplomatic tension over deputy's border denial

Diplomatic tensions have escalated between Bulgaria and North Macedonia following the denial of entry to Bulgarian deputy Angel Georgiev at the border on September 27. Georgiev, who chairs the parliamentary commission on policies toward Bulgarians abroad, intended to attend a hearing regarding the legal case of Bulgarian citizen Iva Mihailova.

Georgiev reported that border authorities cited unpaid legal expenses as the reason for his denial. He contested this, stating he was not previously informed of such costs and suggested the procedure was an administrative matter related to a case involving 27 members of his “Vazrazhdane” party. He indicated intentions to seek a response from European institutions.

The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the North Macedonian chargé d'affaires in Sofia to demand an explanation, labeling the incident a “provocation.” The underlying legal case involving Mihailova stems from a fatal car accident in early 2025. Bulgaria has raised concerns regarding the treatment of its citizen and the fairness of the judicial process, noting that Mihailova has been prevented from traveling to Bulgaria for medical treatment.