Skopje, 27 March 2026 (MIA0 – The nature of the current blockade and all potential blockades is tied to politics rather than substance. If they were about substance, we wouldn’t be in this situation, because our country serves as an example when it comes to minority rights. We are all aware that Bulgaria’s criticism over alleged lack of respect for minority rights is not based in facts or arguments, but is purely political maneuvering that serves neither country, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski said in a TV interview on Friday evening.

In the interview for TV Telma, Mucunski stressed that what would be useful for North Macedonia right now are talks both on a bilateral level and jointly with allies from member states in the European institutions in order to find a way out of the situation, in which, he said, both countries are losing.

The Minister said he does not believe a third protocol would currently provide a way out of the situation. “Firstly,” he stressed, “there should be a political and legal resolution of the positions established by the Macedonian Government.”

The Foreign Minister noted the Government has never believed it should come under pressure from deadlines.  

“We must resolve this situation as quickly as possible, but no one has imposed deadlines on us, and even if someone tried to exert such pressure, it would not succeed. Our positions are crystal clear, deeply rooted in European standards and international law. We only ask that these be respected and that we are given predictability. The rest we will accomplish in the best possible way, and we will be the strongest candidate and the most compelling story through which the EU can demonstrate that enlargement is a strategic decision for Europe’s future,” Mucunski stressed.

Mucunski said he believes if Bulgaria’s intentions are sincere a solution can easily be reached.

“We are being asked to insert a minority community into the Constitution, to make a constitutional amendment, while we are asking that rulings of the highest court, which is also a reference point for the EU, be respected. The easiest thing would be to accept everything demanded from us, but how can we be sure we won’t be put in this situation again? No other country has ever been asked to do what we are being asked. When we make our decision, we must have maximum certainty from where it needs to come. Our people deserve predictability, and that is what we are fighting for. Our predecessors promised negotiations, promised miracles, but what is the reality? We still haven’t launched our accession talks,” Mucunski said.

Regarding the ongoing war in the Gulf, the Foreign Minister stressed that the Government is taking concrete steps and measures aimed first at fuel prices, but also at preventing high inflationary shocks that could affect food industry prices and service-related costs. He noted that the process is complex and carries certain risks, and that the situation must be carefully monitored in order for the Government to respond appropriately through fiscal and economic policies

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