North Macedonia: Court Ruling Won't Affect EU Integration Path

Constitutional Court's Protocol Review

Foreign Minister Timcho Mutsunski stated that any decision by North Macedonia's Constitutional Court regarding the Bulgaria Protocol will not impact the country's strategic EU integration goals. The court is currently reviewing the bilateral agreement following opposition challenges to its constitutionality.

EU Negotiation Framework Unaffected

Mutsunski emphasized that the protocol isn't formally part of the EU Negotiation Framework, meaning its potential invalidation wouldn't alter North Macedonia's accession process. The government remains committed to European integration through domestic reforms and foreign policy alignment, recently evidenced by successful greenfield investment attraction linked to anti-corruption measures.

Bilateral Relations with Bulgaria

While bilateral relations remain strained, Mutsunski highlighted positive cooperation on strategic projects like Corridor 8. He urged continued dialogue and criticized recent anti-European rhetoric from Bulgaria, calling on the EU member state to adopt "European rather than anti-European behavior" in bilateral matters.

Historical Context

The dispute originates from Bulgaria's insistence that North Macedonia acknowledge shared historical roots before advancing EU talks. The 2022 French Proposal required constitutional recognition of Bulgaria's minority, creating political divisions. A recent European Parliament report (A10-0118/2025) noted declining public support for EU integration due to repeated accession delays.