A diplomatic crisis has emerged between North Macedonia and Bulgaria following a meeting between their presidents on September 14, 2024. The meeting, intended to strengthen bilateral relations, turned contentious when the Macedonian flag was notably absent during a photo session, prompting outrage in Skopje.
The Bulgarian President Rumen Radev attended the meeting after successfully completing a test flight for a fighter jet, F-16, ahead of a NATO anniversary event. Despite historical ties and Bulgaria's early support for Macedonia's NATO membership, the absence of the Macedonian flag has sparked accusations of disrespect and protocol failure.
After the meeting, the Macedonian government's response was swift, with plans to summon the Bulgarian ambassador for clarification. President Siljanovska's office expressed hope that the flag's absence was an oversight rather than a deliberate act, emphasizing the need for dialogue.
Both nations have experienced fluctuating relations, marked by periods of cooperation and tension. Bulgaria's previous recognition of Macedonia's constitutional name contrasts with its recent veto against Macedonia's EU accession talks, highlighting the complexities of their diplomatic history.
The incident also raises concerns about Bulgaria's growing ties with China amid strained EU-China relations. Radev's participation in a Bulgarian-Chinese business summit just before the meeting with Siljanovska indicates a potential shift in foreign policy priorities.
As North Macedonia's Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski prepares to travel to Brussels to discuss the ongoing blockade, the absence of the flag adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught negotiations. The Macedonian government faces increasing pressure to address this diplomatic misstep while navigating its path towards EU integration.