Бугарско-македонски односи и историјски спор (2017-2024)
Bulgarian-Macedonian Relations and the Historical Dispute (2017-2024)
Author(s): Stefan DetchevSubject(s): EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development, EU-Legislation, Geopolitics, Politics and Identity, Identity of Collectives
Published by: Институт за европске студије
Keywords: Shared History; Gotse Delchev; Copenhagen Criteria; French Proposal; Bulgaria; North Macedonia
Summary/Abstract: Between 2017 and 2024, Bulgarian-Macedonian relations were dominated by a deepening historical dispute, particularly regarding interpretations of shared history and the legacy of figures like Gotse Delchev, which complicated North Macedonia’s EU accession process. Bulgaria imposed multiple vetoes, citing unresolved historical and identity issues, demanding constitutional changes, and framing these within broader EU accession criteria, while Skopje emphasized cultural self-determination and EU values of diversity. The so-called "French Proposal" aimed to mediate the conflict but was widely perceived in Macedonia as a "Bulgarian dictate," fueling nationalist backlash and bringing a new government to power on promises to revise existing international agreements.
Journal: Српска ревија за европске студије
- Issue Year: III/2024
- Issue No: 2
- Page Range: 19-42
- Page Count: 24
- Language: English, Serbian
