Nikoloski analyzes North Macedonia’s EU path and Bulgarian relations

Aleksandar Nikoloski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, has provided a political analysis regarding North Macedonia’s relations with Bulgaria and its European integration process. Nikoloski stated that Bulgarian conditioning of North Macedonia began in March 2020 during the pandemic, noting that key decisions were made by the previous government.

He highlighted that the Prespa Agreement, signed in June 2018, was intended to accelerate EU negotiations, but the expected progress did not materialize. Nikoloski noted that while the EU required advancements in fighting organized crime, corruption, and public administration reform, he claims there was no substantial progress in those areas, citing an increase in public administration staffing instead.