Skopje tries to eliminate common history as a condition for a place in Europe (overview)

The European Parliament has become the focal point of a significant political debate regarding the future of North Macedonia's aspirations for EU membership. At the heart of this discussion lies a proposed amendment to a progress report on the country’s integration efforts, which aims to remove a specific clause emphasizing the importance of an objective and scientific approach to interpreting shared historical narratives between Bulgaria and North Macedonia. This clause, known as point 73, was included in the report by rapporteur Thomas Vaitz, an Austrian Green Party member, who is attempting to have it removed before the final vote on the resolution takes place.

Vaitz argues that the removal of point 73 would allow for more flexibility in how history is interpreted, rather than being dictated by political considerations. His proposal has drawn support from members of the Socialist Group, Renew Europe, and other factions within the European Parliament. However, this move has sparked controversy among Bulgarian politicians, particularly from the GERB/ENP group, who view the clause as crucial for ensuring that historical interpretations remain grounded in academic research rather than political bias.

The clause in question is directly linked to the second protocol of the 2017 Friendship Agreement between Bulgaria and North Macedonia. The agreement stipulated the creation of a joint commission tasked with addressing historical disputes and ensuring that educational materials reflect a balanced perspective. The goal was to prevent the spread of hatred and misinformation between the two nations by relying on historical facts and authentic documents from relevant periods.

Despite these intentions, the outcomes over the past nine years have been modest. While there were initial agreements on commemorating figures such as Saints Cyril and Methodius, Saint Clement of Ohrid, and Tsar Samuel, diplomatic tensions persist. Annual celebrations in Rome often avoid direct interaction between Bulgarian and Macedonian delegations, except for rare occasions when both leaders participated together. These interactions have been limited, highlighting the ongoing challenges in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

Efforts to revise school textbooks have also faced obstacles. Some changes were made to fifth-grade textbooks in Bulgaria and sixth-grade textbooks in North Macedonia, focusing on ancient history. However, these revisions were largely completed by 2019, and subsequent negotiations have stalled due to disputes over figures like Goece Delchev and the Ilinden–Preobrazhenie Uprising. Additional tensions arose over the description of the Ohrid Archbishopric and its medieval church history in seventh-grade textbooks in North Macedonia.

The current political landscape in North Macedonia has further complicated matters. Since coming into power in September 2024, the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party has completely replaced the composition of their commission, signaling a shift in priorities and potentially undermining previous efforts towards reconciliation. This change has raised concerns about the country's ability to meet the necessary criteria for EU accession, including respect for human rights and the protection of diplomatic missions.

Prime Minister Rumen Radev of Bulgaria has expressed frustration with North Macedonia's approach to European integration, stating that the government in Skopje seems to prioritize domestic political interests over the well-being of its citizens. He emphasized that the issue is not solely bilateral but also involves North Macedonia's relationship with the European Union. Radev pointed out that the government in Skopje must address concerns raised by the European Commission regarding the rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and the increasing influence of Serbia and Russia.

Recent developments, including the burning of two Bulgarian diplomatic vehicles in Skopje, have further strained relations between the two countries. Bulgaria has condemned the incident, viewing it as a reflection of broader issues stemming from North Macedonia's attitude toward its neighbor. This incident has underscored the need for improved diplomatic engagement and mutual respect, especially as both nations navigate the complex path toward European integration.

As the European Parliament prepares to vote on the progress report, the debate surrounding point 73 remains a critical issue. The outcome of this vote could significantly impact the trajectory of North Macedonia's EU accession process, influencing whether the focus will remain on fostering historical reconciliation or shifting towards more politically driven interpretations of shared heritage. The situation highlights the delicate balance required to ensure that historical narratives contribute to regional stability and mutual understanding rather than exacerbating existing tensions.