'Constitution First' vs. 'We're Ready': Two Frames, Still No Opened Negotiating Framework
Bulgarian President Radev keeps saying all North Macedonia needs to do is write Bulgarians into its constitution, while Skopje insists it is ready to negotiate — yet the negotiating framework remains formally unopened.
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has once again said that "North Macedonia only needs to write Bulgarians into its constitution to start EU negotiations," reducing the entire process to a single issue. Authorities in Skopje, for their part, continue to stress that the country is "ready" for negotiations and is already taking steps to meet the conditions.
Yet despite the two competing narratives, the core fact remains unchanged — the negotiating framework has still not been formally opened. Sofia, meanwhile, is shifting its focus from purely constitutional amendments toward broader "identity pressure," including demands related to the Macedonian language within the framework itself, without further clarification — a proposal reportedly mediated through France.
The opposition in Skopje is demanding answers for why the current government's position on constitutional amendments differs from the one it held while in opposition, accusing the ruling party of shifting course under pressure. The debate increasingly resembles a contest of narratives rather than real negotiating dynamics — while citizens are left waiting for a formal step forward that still hasn't come.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · October 1, 2026
