Perspectives for North Macedonia’s EU Integration after the French EU Framework Solution in 2022

Abstract

This paper discusses the influence of Bulgarian–North Macedonian bilateral relations on the perspectives of North Macedonia’s EU integration after the adoption of the EU-North Macedonia negotiation framework in July 2022, advanced by the French EU Presidency. The main focus is on two of the most salient and sensitive elements of these relations – the incorporation of the Bulgarian community in North Macedonia’s constitution and the role of the Joint Historical Commission in adjusting and synchronising the historical perspectives of the two societies. Progress in both issues would be extremely beneficial for North Macedonia’s prospects. Any retreat from or erosion of the French EU framework solution would mean a return to the stalled situation before 2022, which would be hardly beneficial either for North Macedonia or for the wider Southeast European region.