EU Removes ‘Macedonian’ Identity References from North Macedonia Report

The European Parliament’s three major political groups—the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), centre-left Socialists & Democrats (S&D), and centrist Renew Europe—have agreed to eliminate mentions of “Macedonian identity” and “Macedonian language” from a draft report on North Macedonia’s EU membership progress, per Thursday media reports.

Bulgarian MEP Andrey Kovatchev (EPP) stated that his group proposed the amendment, which is set for approval during next week’s Strasbourg plenary session, with a debate slated for Tuesday. “Identity and language issues have no role in a candidate country’s progress report,” Kovatchev said. “They only create division and stir historical disputes, as seen in rhetoric from Skopje, especially from Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, who manipulates historical narratives.”

This follows the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee vote on June 24, which passed the draft report with wide support despite Bulgarian objections. The initial text included direct references to “Macedonian language and identity” and dismissed amendments suggesting “modern” as a qualifier.

Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged the report but noted it lacks legal binding. North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski condemned the decision, calling it “shameful” and accusing EU states of undermining national identity. “We have the right to protect and develop our identity,” he said, adding that some EU members are adopting “anti-European” stances.

Source: pagenews.gr