North Macedonia

According to an analysis by the Bulgarian Industrial Chamber (BIC), Bulgaria's position in the Global Innovation Index has significantly declined, reflecting the country's challenges in institutional efficiency and economic development. The lack of a stable government and a clear, long-term economic strategy have been identified as major obstacles to business operations in Bulgaria.

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with North Macedonian PM Hristijan Mickoski in Belgrade on Friday to discuss strengthening of relations and common initiatives for a more stable future for citizens, as well as economic projects.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has named Radmila Sekerinska from North Macedonia as his deputy. Sekerinska previously served as Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration and as Minister of Defense during North Macedonia's accession to NATO in 2020.

"The more things change, the more they stay the same," a song by Greek singer Nikos Papazoglou goes. This feeling is prominent when it comes to Greek-Turkish relations. Tensions, threats, and Turkish claims make up the main reality of the last 50 years. On many issues, however, we have a radical change of reality compared to 1974.

Slovenian European Commissioner-designate Marta Kos gave a brief "no" in response to Bulgarian MEP Andrey Kovachev's question on whether she would support altering the negotiation framework with North Macedonia. Kos stated that renegotiating the already established framework with member states is typically unrealistic.

BUDAPEST - On the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit in Budapest, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with several senior officials to discuss the place and the role of Western Balkan states in the global political reality, as well as current issues.

The Western Balkans, recognized for their rich blend of history, culture and natural beauty, have emerged as a favored destination for Turkish tourists this year, setting new tourism records across the region.

A Bulgarian citizen in Skopje, Borche Natsevski, was assaulted by two police officers reportedly due to his Bulgarian identity and his vocal expression of self-determination, reports OFFNews. This incident was revealed by Viktor Stoyanov, the chairman of the Macedonia Foundation, through a post on Facebook.

North Macedonia's conservative prime minister, Hristijan Mickoski, has reacted angrily to allegations from the far-left nationalist opposition claiming he had shifted his position on the Prespa Agreement.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Mickoski reiterated that he exclusively refers to the country as "Macedonia" and its people as "Macedonians."

The Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Christian Mitskoski, emphasized that in every statement and interview he has made so far, he refers to the country as “Macedonia” and the citizens as “Macedonians,” for whom, as he said, he “fights.”