European Council President António Costa is visiting Skopje on Tuesday for talks with Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, with the country’s long-running dispute with Bulgaria expected to be one of the key issues on the table.
According to the government press service, Mickoski and Costa are scheduled to hold a one-on-one meeting, followed by broader talks between the government delegation and the delegation led by the European Council president. The two officials are also expected to address the media at a joint press conference at the Government building in Skopje.
Ahead of Costa’s visit, Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski said the government remains firm in its position that Macedonia needs clear guarantees from the European Union that no additional demands related to Macedonian history, identity or culture will be imposed by Bulgaria during the EU accession process.
Mucunski said the Bulgaria issue will “definitely” be discussed with Costa, describing the European Council president as a proactive figure who has already made several attempts to help find a solution. He added that discussions are currently focused on ideas that could lead to what the government calls a “dignified solution.”
Prime Minister Mickoski also reiterated that the government’s messages regarding the dispute with Bulgaria are clear and well-argued.
Another topic expected to be discussed is a letter from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has reportedly proposed innovative ways to speed up the EU enlargement process, with a focus on Ukraine, the Western Balkans and Moldova. Mucunski said Macedonia is ready to support any solution that leads toward full EU membership, which he described as the country’s clear strategic goal.
Costa’s visit to Skopje is part of his regional tour of the Western Balkans. He began the trip in Sarajevo, continued to Tirana, and is expected to travel next to Pristina, Belgrade and Montenegro. On June 5, he will co-chair the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, where the main theme will be shared prosperity and stability between the EU and the Western Balkans.
Before the tour, Costa said his visit sends a clear message that the EU’s commitment to the region is real and that the opportunity for enlargement is also real. He added that the momentum exists and that now is the time to deliver results.
