# Balkan diplomatic tensions over historical heritage

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-diplomatic-tensions-over-historical-heritage
> Updated: 2026-10-03T12:18:39.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 2.

Political tensions have emerged regarding historical heritage and diplomatic agreements involving North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria. In North Macedonia, Ilija Dimovski criticized the Prespa Agreement with Greece and protocols with Bulgaria, arguing they caused the nation to forfeit its historical heritage. Dimovski claimed the agreements, which he described as being imposed through “coercion and violence,” resulted in the recognition of Tsar Samuel as a ruler of the Bulgarian Empire rather than a Macedonian figure.

In Greece, former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has intensified his criticism of the current administration, describing recent diplomatic developments as a “double blow” to the nation. Samaras specifically targeted remarks by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who expressed admiration for “Macedonian language” and “Macedonian culture” during a visit to North Macedonia. He characterized this as a situation worse than the “Prespa Agreement fiasco.” 

Samaras also condemned a repatriation agreement between Greece and Bulgaria involving the remains of Tsar Samuel and anthropological material from the Royal Basilica of Agios Achilleion. While Bulgaria is returning 48 ecclesiastical relics taken during World War I, Samaras argued the exchange is disproportionate, noting that Greece receives only 48 items compared to the thousands of sacred relics he claims were stolen from northern Greece. He characterized the government's stance as a “retreat” and a “surrender.” 

In response to these criticisms, Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis has dismissed Samaras's remarks as “populist,” defending the administration by stating that North Macedonia’s European integration depends on Greece and adherence to existing agreements.

## Claims

- Samaras accused Ursula von der Leyen of expressing admiration for Macedonian culture and language. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Samaras criticized the official reception of Tsar Samuel's remains in Bulgaria. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Only 48 Greek relics were returned by Bulgaria following the First World War. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Antonis Samaras criticized the government for its handling of national issues. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis stated that North Macedonia's path to Europe requires respect for existing agreements. (single source)
- Marinakis blamed Alexis Tsipras for the consequences of the Prespa Agreement. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-03: Antonis Samaras criticizes Greek government on foreign policy and party rumors

Former Greek PM Antonis Samaras has criticized the government's foreign policy and potential new party rumors, while PM Mitsotakis met with the Lithuanian President to discuss EU defense and migration.

32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antonis-samaras-criticizes-greek-government-over-national-identity-issues

### 2026-10-01: Dimovski criticizes Prespa Agreement and historical heritage claims

Ilija Dimovski claims the Prespa Agreement and protocols with Bulgaria forced North Macedonia to renounce its historical heritage, including claims to Aegean Macedonia and Tsar Samuel.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dimovski-criticizes-prespa-agreement-and-historical-heritage-claims

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Cite as: Balkan diplomatic tensions over historical heritage. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-diplomatic-tensions-over-historical-heritage