When Brussels Is Both Referee and Pitch: Why Sofia Rejects a Third Party at the Table With Skopje
Skopje wants guarantees and predictability from Brussels to prevent future blockades, but Bulgaria's foreign ministry remains firm: the obligations stay the same.
Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry has reiterated that North Macedonia's EU accession process is "a European issue that should be resolved within European institutions, in accordance with established rules and procedures," rejecting any renegotiation of the conditions.
Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski has called for a greater European Commission presence in communication with Sofia, seeking guarantees and predictability to prevent future blockades on the path to membership. Analysts note, however, that the EU itself still lacks clear political consensus on Western Balkan enlargement, which limits Brussels' ability to act as an effective mediator.
Meanwhile, a document on gradual integration for candidate countries, proposed by France and Germany, is under discussion — for now only as a non-paper. Deputy Prime Minister Bekim Sali backed involving a third party in talks with Sofia, saying communication "should be credible and verified." According to the same sources, though, Sofia does not want Brussels involved, arguing the dispute is not bilateral but a matter already settled by existing agreements.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · September 27, 2026
