АУТОР / AUTHOR(S): Goran Kitevski 
DOI: 10.46793/CSGE5.75GK
САЖЕТАК / ABSTRACT:
Since receiving candidate status for the European Union (EU) in 2005, North Macedonia’s accession process has encountered several significant delays. Initially, Greece obstructed the country’s EU path due to a long-standing dispute over its name. This deadlock was resolved through the 2018 Prespa Agreement, a landmark compromise that resulted in constitutional amendments and the official renaming of the country to North Macedonia. Following this agreement, it was widely anticipated that the accession process would resume according to established EU protocols. However, in 2019, further delays arose due to the introduction of a revised EU accession methodology. Even after the adoption of this methodology, Bulgaria imposed a veto, citing North Macedonia’s failure to adhere to the 2017 Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness, and Cooperation. This veto remained in place for two years, until the introduction of the French proposal. With this, Bulgaria agreed to lift its veto, while North Macedonia committed to enacting additional constitutional amendments, specifically the inclusion of ethnic Bulgarians in the preamble of its Constitution.
The French proposal formally started North Macedonia’s EU accession process. Nevertheless, to progress beyond the initial phase, the country must fulfill its commitment to constitutional reforms. The proposal itself, and the ongoing delay in implementing these amendments have further deepened the political polarization within North Macedonia.
This paper examines the essence of Bulgaria’s demand for constitutional amendments, which is viewed by some as a “simple legal modification” and by others as a form of “Bulgarian diktat” or/and “Bulgarization.” Although the enhanced enlargement methodology has rendered the accession process more predictable and credible, it has not dispelled the uncertainties facing North Macedonia. The analysis suggests that North Macedonia will need to adjust its positions on identity and historical issues with Bulgaria throughout the negotiation process, in line with the principles of the 2017 Treaty and the European Union’s emphasis on fostering good neighborly relations as an essential element of the enlargement process.
КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ / KEYWORDS:
EU accession; bilateral disputes; French proposal; constitutional amendments