Skopje and Sofia Still at Odds – Bulgarian Veto Remains a STOP Sign for North Macedonia’s EU Path

Relations between Skopje and Sofia remain strained, as Bulgaria’s veto continues to block North Macedonia’s progress toward European Union membership, reports Flaka Media.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria has officially handed a note of protest to North Macedonia’s Ambassador Agnesa Rusi Popovska, citing what it called “repeated acts of desecration of Bulgarian national symbols” on North Macedonian territory.

During a formal meeting with Jordan Prvanov, Director General for European Affairs at the Bulgarian MFA, serious concern was expressed over these incidents, which Bulgarian authorities claim undermine bilateral relations and regional cooperation.

The most recent incident occurred on May 4, 2025, at the grave of historical figure Gotse Delchev, near the “St. Spas” Church in Skopje.
According to Bulgarian media reports, several hours after wreaths were laid to mark Delchev’s birthday anniversary, only the ribbons featuring the Bulgarian tricolor had been removed, while other wreaths remained untouched.

“We categorically condemn these hostile actions against Bulgarian national symbols,” stated the official response from Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Bulgarian authorities are calling on Skopje to conduct a full investigation and take concrete measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

This development is expected to further strain relations between the two countries, especially during a sensitive phase in North Macedonia’s EU accession process.

Flaka Media