site.btaNorth Macedonia PM Mickoski Hopes for Stable Bulgarian Government to Unblock Skopje's EU Path

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski of the Republic of North Macedonia Monday said he hoped the new Bulgarian government would engage in talks to find a "solution to unblock his country's path to the EU." He described the future composition of the Bulgarian parliament as an "interesting political mosaic" and expressed hope that Bulgaria would form a government, avoiding an eighth consecutive election.

After inspecting works on the Gostivar-Bukojcani motorway stretch, part of Transport Corridor 8, Mickoski responded to a journalist's question by saying he expected a government in Bulgaria to be formed by three political partners, which would necessarily include GERB-UDF and Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria. He noted that GERB and his party belong to the same European political family, the European People's Party.

The outcome of the October 27 parliamentary elections in Bulgaria was closely monitored in North Macedonia. Politicians from the ruling coalition repeatedly expressed their hope for the formation of a political government in Bulgaria to facilitate discussions on Skopje's proposal to implement constitutional changes once the country becomes an EU member. 

The inclusion of Bulgarians in North Macedonia's constitution is a condition for holding a second intergovernmental conference and opening negotiation clusters with the EU.

North Macedonia's European Affairs Minister Orhan Murtezani said, "The process should be initiated bilaterally with Bulgaria." He added that "North Macedonia's proposal will not be presented until the elections in Bulgaria are finalized".

North Macedonia's Health Minister Arben Taravari believes the country should start negotiations as soon as possible, but noted, "Everything is complicated by the lack of a stable government in Bulgaria." 

Mickoski has stated repeatedly that he is ready for talks to find "a long-term solution that will ensure success in the negotiating process based on the Copenhagen criteria."

However, Mickoski said that despite being prepared to discuss "the contentious issues between the two countries," he doubts there will be an opportunity for talks with a Bulgarian caretaker government to find a way for North Macedonia to continue on its European path.