North Macedonia proposes deferred constitutional changes for EU accession

EU accession constitutional amendments Bulgarian minority bilateral relations Interreg program

North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, speaking from Washington, has outlined a strategic approach to resolving bilateral tensions with Bulgaria. He emphasized that the government will not take radical steps or withdraw from international agreements, but insists on a process with a predictable outcome. Mickoski proposed that constitutional amendments to include Bulgarians in the constitution be passed immediately but only take effect once the EU ratifies the accession protocol, serving as a guarantee against future obstacles.

Mickoski also requested that any dialogue regarding the minority action plan be conducted with an EU representative present to ensure the issue is not treated as a purely bilateral matter. This follows statements from EU Commissioner Marta Kos, who reiterated that fulfilling the constitutional commitment is a necessary condition for North Macedonia to advance its EU integration process.

In a separate development, Bulgaria and North Macedonia have commenced strategic planning for the Interreg cross-border cooperation program for the 2028–2034 period. Meanwhile, the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers has decided to continue monitoring legal cases concerning the rights of Macedonians in Bulgaria.

Entities

Bulgaria · Council of Europe · European Commission · European Union · Hristijan Mickoski · Marta Kos · North Macedonia

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The Macedonian government proposes that constitutional amendments be passed immediately but take effect only after EU ratification of the accession protocol. nezavisen.mk · aktuale.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] Mickoski requested that any dialogue with Bulgaria regarding the minority action plan must include an EU representative to avoid bilateral framing. nacionalno.mk · racin.mk · portalb.mk
[● 2 SOURCES] EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated that constitutional amendments to include Bulgarians are a condition for continuing the accession process. zurnal.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Bulgaria and North Macedonia began strategic planning for the Interreg cross-border cooperation program for the 2028–2034 period. tribuna.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe decided to continue monitoring cases related to the rights of Macedonians in Bulgaria. novamakedonija.com.mk
[● 5 SOURCES] Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated he will not enter any political process regarding Bulgaria without a predictable end. nacionalno.mk · lider.mk · racin.mk · nezavisen.mk · vecer.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] Prime Minister Mickoski rejected calls from radical elements within his own structure to withdraw from international agreements and negotiations. nacionalno.mk · racin.mk · portalb.mk