North Macedonia

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.”

North Macedonia's conservative prime minister, Hristijan Mickoski, has reacted angrily to allegations from the 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 European Commission has urged the government of North Macedonia to implement constitutional changes and foster strong relations with Bulgaria and Greece. This call was made in the Commission's annual report regarding the expansion of the country.

The Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski characterized the upcoming Bulgarian parliament as an "interesting political mosaic." He expressed optimism that a government will be established in Bulgaria, facilitating a resolution to unblock North Macedonia's path to EU membership.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised North Macedonia's reform efforts Thursday, but stressed the need for progress on constitutional changes if the country was to make progress with its bid to join the EU.

North Macedonia's Transport Minister, Aleksandar Nikoloski, has indicated that the current Corridor 8 railway project "will certainly not be worked on," and the potential for a new project remains uncertain. In a statement to Telma TV, he emphasized that discussions with Bulgaria commenced recently in Brussels, and a follow-up meeting is scheduled for October 31.

Bulgaria and North Macedonia have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the construction of rail Corridor 8 as part of the Trans-European Transport Network Regulation.