North Macedonia accuses Bulgaria of disrespect

The absence of North Macedonia's flag during a meeting between Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and North Macedonian President Gordana Silyanovska-Davkova has sparked a new controversy, escalating tensions between Sofia and Skopje on September 16.

Leaked photos from September 13 meeting show only the Bulgarian and EU flags displayed, violating typical diplomatic protocol, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski accused Bulgaria of attempting to "trample on Macedonian dignity."

He stated, "In the past, when Macedonian dignity was humiliated, they remained silent and turned their backs. Now, diplomatic protests are issued. When a red line is crossed, there must be a response. If you don’t react, the exception becomes the norm."

Mickoski further emphasised that Europe and the world should understand the "true intentions of the leadership in Sofia." 

On September 16, North Macedonia's Foreign Ministry called in Bulgarian Ambassador Zhelyazko Radukov for clarification, according to Macedonian media. However, reports suggest Radukov declined the meeting. After Friday’s meeting, President Rumen Radev emphasised the need for high-level dialogue between the two nations. The unofficial visit to Sofia came after tensions escalated following the rise of the right-wing nationalist party VMRO-DPMNE in Skopje. 

The party won elections on a platform to lead North Macedonia toward EU membership, without meeting the Bulgarian and EU demand to include Bulgarians as a minority in the country's constitution.