Radev Says Bulgarians in North Macedonia Face Worsening Situation
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev says he will raise the treatment of Bulgarian-identity citizens with Macedonian authorities at a European meeting in Dublin.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in International Relations
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev told reporters in Dublin that the situation of Bulgarians in North Macedonia is worsening and has not improved. Radev said he would again raise the issue with Macedonian authorities at the European Political Community meeting.
Why it matters
The remarks put the treatment of Bulgarian-identity citizens in North Macedonia on the agenda of a gathering of more than 50 European leaders. The dispute touches on minority rights and relations between two neighboring countries in the European Union's wider orbit.
The ninth European Political Community meeting in Ireland brings together more than 50 European leaders, including North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. Radev did not specify the measures he will request or the outcome he expects from the discussion.
The players
Rumen Radev
Rumen Radev is the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, a former air force commander and president who has been a prominent voice on Bulgaria's relations with its neighbors.
Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova
Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova is the President of North Macedonia, who attended the European Political Community meeting in Dublin.
The details
Radev, speaking to reporters in Dublin, referred to alleged problems facing the Bulgarian minority in North Macedonia and said the situation has not improved. He said he would again raise the treatment of Bulgarian-identity citizens with Macedonian authorities on the sidelines of the meeting, which is held under Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Timeline
• November 12, 2026: Radev makes his remarks to reporters in Dublin ahead of the European Political Community meeting.
Political Context
Bulgaria and North Macedonia have long disputed questions of minority identity and language, and the European Political Community gives leaders a forum to press such bilateral concerns outside formal accession channels. The Dublin meeting continues that pattern of raising neighbor-to-neighbor grievances among the wider group of European heads of government.
Readers following European politics can track whether the issue is raised formally at the Dublin meeting and whether North Macedonian authorities respond publicly. Any follow-up statements from either government would indicate whether the dispute is moving toward bilateral talks.
The takeaway
Disputes over minority treatment between neighboring European states are often raised in multilateral forums before any bilateral resolution. Watching how the Dublin discussion is reported will show whether the complaint is pursued further.
Further reading
For broader context on bilateral tensions between European neighbors, see International Relations.
