On July 9, 2025, the European Parliament adopted its annual report on Macedonia – but without mentioning the Macedonian language or identity. Under pressure from amendments proposed by Greece and Bulgaria, a parliamentary majority of 461 votes approved the removal of any phrasing that symbolically acknowledged Macedonian cultural and linguistic reality. This act is not merely administrative. It is a warning. Read about how Europe remains silent while national identities are erased – and why it’s crucial for us to be vocal.
(The extent to which Europe and the world care is evident from the reactions in global media. The removal of the adjective “Macedonian” was covered only by Bulgarian and Greek media outside Macedonia!)
What Exactly Happened in the European Parliament?
On July 9, 2025, the European Parliament adopted a document meant to be a routine progress report on North Macedonia’s EU accession process. Instead of serving as encouragement and affirmation of the European path, the report became a turning point – a symbol of humiliation and denial.
Although the draft version of the report, prepared by MEP Thomas Waitz (Greens/EFA), explicitly included phrasing recognizing the Macedonian language and identity as “an integral part of European values,” these were removed just before the final vote. This was not accidental. It resulted from amendments submitted by Greek and Bulgarian MEPs, supported by the leading political groups in the European Parliament: EPP, Socialists and Democrats (S&D), and Renew Europe.
The report was adopted with 461 votes in favor, 121 against, and 107 abstentions. With this, the European Parliament formally endorsed a text that, for the first time, erased the Macedonian language and identity from an EU document concerning a candidate country. Instead of affirming the continuity of previous reports, which clearly addressed this issue, a dangerous new precedent was set: identity issues can be treated as political bargaining chips.
Vote
Number
✅ For
461
❌ Against
121
⚪ Abstained
107
Total
689 (out of 705 MEPs)
Voting Results
More importantly, this was not an oversight or disagreement over phrasing. It was a deliberate intervention. Many MEPs, especially from large countries like France, Germany, and Spain, voted for the removal without being directly involved in Balkan disputes. Why? Party discipline, lack of information, diplomatic conformism, and avoiding conflict with Greek and Bulgarian positions – positions that are fundamentally nationalist and denialist.
This was not just a technical amendment. It was a political decision with profound symbolic and legal implications. It is a test of European values – and a moment for Macedonian citizens to ask: where did the promised justice go?
How Did Greece and Bulgaria Achieve This?
Through careful planning, long-term strategy, and perfect timing. Though often portrayed as “small members,” Greece and Bulgaria demonstrated that you don’t need to be a geopolitical powerhouse to dictate EU policy – being well-positioned, vocal, and coordinated is enough.
First, both countries entered the EU with an established national narrative about Macedonia – that the Macedonian identity is an “artificial construct,” the Macedonian language a “dialect,” and Macedonian history “belongs to someone else.” This narrative was institutionalized in their foreign policies and then embedded as a condition for supporting EU enlargement.
The key tool? The veto. The EU operates on the principle of consensus, especially regarding enlargement. This means any member state can block the process at any stage. Greece and Bulgaria used this right to the fullest – not as a tool for reform, but as a means of coercion.
Behind the scenes, they didn’t act alone. They mobilized their MEPs, primarily in the European People’s Party (EPP) and Socialists and Democrats (S&D), who submitted amendments to remove linguistic and identity references. These amendments were crafted cleverly – without overt hostility but with enough diplomatic euphemisms to avoid appearing provocative at first glance.
In the European Parliament, where MEPs from larger countries often lack deep knowledge of the Balkans and vote along party lines, these amendments passed without serious debate. Through a combination of discipline, silence, and inertia, the seemingly impossible was achieved: an entire identity was erased from an EU document.
An additional advantage for Greece and Bulgaria is that their positions are often seen as an “internal EU dispute,” unlike Macedonia, which remains outside the system. In this power asymmetry, they can impose conditions, while Macedonia must accept them – or risk a blockade.
Most alarmingly, there are no consequences for this game. No EU institution held them accountable, and no major European media opened a debate about how an identity can be denied under the EU’s seal. This means the model will be repeated.
How Are MEPs Distributed?
Each country has a number of MEPs based on its population. For example:
Country
Number of MEPs
Germany
96 (most)
France
81
Italy
76
Bulgaria
17
Greece
21
Croatia
12
Slovenia
8
Malta
6
Thus, a small country like Bulgaria (with 17 MEPs) can pass amendments if it convinces enough colleagues from larger countries, where there is often ignorance or disengagement.
Historical and Current EU Stances Toward Macedonia:
Country
Historical Stance Toward Macedonia
Party in EP
Current Position on Macedonia
France
Supported Bulgaria (1913)
EPP, Renew
Skeptical, indirectly against Macedonia
Germany
Neutral
EPP, S&D
Mediator, no active support
Greece
Aggressive blockade
EPP
Actively denies identity
Bulgaria
Denialist stance
EPP, S&D
Systemic blocking
Spain
Sensitive (Catalonia)
EPP, S&D
Avoids support
Romania
Passively pro-Bulgarian
EPP, S&D
Reserved, indirectly against
Croatia
Tactical ally
EPP, S&D
No open support
Which MEPs Supported Macedonia?
Amid the institutional silence, a few voices of resistance emerged. Not many – but enough to show that not everyone in the European Parliament is ready to accept the political dictates of Greece and Bulgaria. These MEPs, though a minority, openly defended the Macedonian language and identity, even at the cost of confronting their own political groups.
The most vocal was Thomas Waitz (Austria, Greens/EFA), the author of the draft report, which clearly stated that the EU “consistently recognizes the Macedonian language and identity” as “an integral part of European values.” When his text was “cleaned” through amendments by EPP, S&D, and Renew colleagues, Waitz publicly expressed disappointment and warned of the dangerous precedent being set.
Thijs Reuten (Netherlands, S&D), a long-time friend of the Macedonian cause, also condemned the removal of references. His stance was particularly significant as it came from the same group that partially supported the amendments. He noted that this vote sends a message that “identity is a bargaining chip,” contrary to the spirit of the Union.
Support also came from Irena Joveva (Slovenia, Greens/EFA), who stated:
“The Macedonian people do not need your permission to exist, but you need honesty, integrity, and courage to recognize it.”
Though quieter, Matej Tonin (Slovenia, EPP), Dan Barna (Romania, Renew Europe), Andreas Schieder (Austria, S&D), and Željana Zovko (Croatia, EPP) also expressed statements or support indicating disagreement with the erasure of identity references.
MEPs Who Publicly Supported Macedonia:
Name
Country
Political Group
Support For
Thomas Waitz
Austria
Greens/EFA
Author of draft report with language references
Thijs Reuten
Netherlands
S&D
Public criticism of amendments
Irena Joveva
Slovenia
Greens/EFA
Symbolic and open support
Matej Tonin
Slovenia
EPP
Support through comments
Dan Barna
Romania
Renew
Statements in favor of Macedonia
Andreas Schieder
Austria
S&D
Comment on dangerous precedent
Željana Zovko
Croatia
EPP
Moderate support
These MEPs are small islands of reason and dignity in a sea of political compromise. That’s why it’s crucial for Macedonia to identify, support, and network with these individuals, as they are the first potential allies in future stages of the accession process.
Macedonia and EU Identity Standards: Exception or New Norm?
The EU often reiterates that identity issues are not subject to negotiation. This is part of the official European discourse, rooted in principles of cultural diversity, linguistic tolerance, and the right to self-determination. Yet, in practice, Macedonia is the only case where issues of language, name, history, and nationhood have been directly or indirectly conditioned on EU progress.
This makes Macedonia the most extreme case in the history of EU enlargement. The Prespa Agreement led to a name change, the agreement with Bulgaria opened the door to historical commissions and textbook revisions, and now, with the erasure of the Macedonian language and identity from the European Parliament’s report, it’s confirmed that political conditions can infiltrate formal EU documents.
But Macedonia is not an island!
For example, in Moldova’s case, the European Commission, under pressure from Romania, refused to use the term “Moldovan language” and insisted on “Romanian,” despite “Moldovan” being the constitutional term in the country. This is another example of how linguistic identity can become a subject of geopolitical bargaining.
Kosovo faces constant blockades from five member states that do not recognize its independence, making its political identity a problem in itself.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has internal identity pluralism – Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian languages – but the EU communicates with all three and does not condition accession on recognizing only one.
Comparative Table: Identity-Based Conditions in the Enlargement Process
Country
Identity Dispute
Obstacle in EU Accession
Source of Issue
Macedonia
Language, nation, history
Yes – fundamental
Greece and Bulgaria (members)
Moldova
Language (terminological)
Indirect
Romania
Kosovo
Independence/identity
Yes – formal blockade
5 countries do not recognize
Bosnia and Herz.
Internal pluralism
No – symmetrical treatment
Internal, not from EU
This shows that Macedonia is not alone in facing politicized identity issues, but it is unique in having them as a formal condition for progress. This is a wake-up call for all countries with distinct identity contexts – and even more for the credibility of the EU itself.
What Can Macedonia Do?
Macedonia is not helpless. What it lacks is not resources but a clear strategy, persistent advocacy, and bold diplomacy. So far, the state has reacted late, softly, and often without a clear political entity – as if afraid that every loud demand will be seen as a “negative signal.” But Europe respects only those who respect themselves.
Political Offensive
Launch a formal initiative in the European Parliament to review the process by which the report was adopted.
File complaints with the European Commission, OSCE, Council of Europe, and UNESCO, based on Article 2 of the EU Treaty, which guarantees respect for human and cultural rights.
Build permanent partnerships with MEPs who have shown solidarity, through regular updates, personal meetings, and coordination.
Form a dedicated body for EU integration and protection of linguistic sovereignty, with a clear mandate and authority.
Media and Cultural Campaign
Launch a campaign in multiple European languages explaining the significance of the Macedonian language, its historical development, and its cultural contribution to Europe’s treasury.
Send delegations of writers, artists, and intellectuals to European capitals, media, and cultural institutions.
Organize a European tour with exhibitions, concerts, and screenings under the motto: “The Macedonian language does not divide Europe. It brings it closer.”
Activating the Diaspora
Macedonia’s diaspora is its greatest untapped lobbying force in Europe. Tens of thousands of Macedonians live in Germany, Sweden, France, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands etc. They can:
Write to MEPs;
Organize events, petitions, and media campaigns;
Request meetings with local MPs and journalists;
Share testimonials of their identity as living proof of the existence of the Macedonian identity.
Engaging Citizens
Institutions and schools can organize public lectures, events, and initiatives to promote the language.
Civil society and media can create content – videos, memes, podcasts, short documentaries (on the theme “The Macedonian Language – a European Value”).
Every citizen can contribute: with one letter, one post, one donation, or one event participation.
Contacts of Supporters
Supporters Contacts
Matej Tonin (Словенија, EPP) Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats) matej.tonin@europarl.europa.eu
Thijs Reuten (Холандија, S&D) Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament thijs.reuten@europarl.europa.eu
Thomas Waitz (Австрија, Greens/EFA) Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance thomas.waitz@europarl.europa.eu
Dan Barna Renew Europe Group dan.barna@europarl.europa.eu
Andreas Schieder Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament andreas.schieder@europarl.europa.eu
Șerban‑Dimitrie Sturdza European Conservatives and Reformists Group serban.dimitrie.sturdza@europarl.europa.eu
Željana Zovko Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats) zeljana.zovko@europarl.europa.eu
Irena Joveva Renew Europe Group irena.joveva@europarl.europa.eu
Letter to Supportive MEPs (Pro-Macedonian Identity)
Subject: Thank You for Standing Up for the Macedonian Language and Identity
Dear [MEP Name],
I am writing to express my deep gratitude for your principled stance during the vote on the European Parliament’s 2025 Progress Report on North Macedonia. Your support for the inclusion of references to the Macedonian language and identity was not only a vote for truth, but also a powerful stand for European values, diversity, and cultural dignity.
Your position is especially meaningful at a time when symbolic and political recognition of national identities is increasingly challenged by geopolitical pressures. In a climate where compromise often prevails over conviction, your voice stood out.
Please know that the people of Macedonia – and Macedonians living across Europe – saw and appreciated your vote. You gave visibility to those who often feel invisible. You reminded us that solidarity still exists in Europe.
We hope to continue this dialogue and partnership in the future. If you are interested in hearing from Macedonian academics, artists, or civic organizations working to preserve our language and culture, we would be honored to facilitate such connections.
Thank you again for your courage.
With sincere respect, [Your Name] [City/Country] [Contact email, optional]
2. Letter to MEPs Who Voted for the Amended Report (Omitting “Macedonian”)
Subject: A Question of Values: Why Did You Vote to Erase the Macedonian Identity?
Dear [MEP Name],
On July 9, 2025, the European Parliament voted in favor of a version of the Progress Report on North Macedonia that removed all references to the Macedonian language and identity. As one of the MEPs who supported this amended version, I ask you with genuine concern: why?
The original draft of the report included a simple acknowledgment of the Macedonian identity and language – a fact recognized by international institutions and fundamental to our people’s dignity. The removal of that recognition, under pressure from two member states, sets a dangerous precedent. It signals that identity is negotiable, and that cultural erasure can be tolerated in Europe.
Is this the message the European Union wants to send to its citizens and candidate countries?
We, as Macedonians, do not ask for privilege. We ask for fairness. Our language is not a threat. Our name is not a bargaining chip. Our existence should not be subject to vetoes or silence.
I hope you will take time to reflect on this decision and consider how it aligns with the core values of the Union you represent – democracy, human dignity, and respect for minorities.
This is not a matter of politics – it is a matter of the future, dignity, and self-respect. Macedonia should not beg for acceptance. It should speak out – loudly, with dignity, in a European way.
What Can We All Do?
On social media, comments like, “Who cares what the EU thinks, we know who we are!” are increasingly common.
This, in our view, is the wrong approach.
What Bulgaria and Greece achieved is the result of systematic lobbying, active propaganda, and skillful political influence. They managed to convince 461 MEPs to vote for a document that erases the Macedonian identity. Many of those MEPs, in reality, have little to no knowledge of Macedonia or the historical context of the region.
We can only imagine how the voting went for some of them: “Who was this about?” “No idea, but if Greece wants it, we should trust them – they’re a serious, philosophical nation since antiquity.” And – click.This is not a fight that the state alone can wage. It’s a fight we all must take on. Whether we live in Kičevo or Cologne, whether we’re students, artists, cooks, or retirees. If we feel Macedonian, we must fight for the language, the culture, the dignity. For the right to exist.
It doesn’t take much. It just takes not staying silent.
✔ Write a Letter
To MEPs who voted “for” the erasure: demand an explanation.
To those who voted “against”: thank them. That’s how alliances are built.
Letters don’t need to be long. Just sincere. Every message matters.
✔ Make, Sign and Share a Petition
Create an online petition demanding the reinstatement of references to the Macedonian language. Sign it.
Share it on social media. Call on friends, relatives, and the diaspora.
✔ Join the Campaign #MacedonianLanguageMatters
Post a video or message where you speak or read in Macedonian. Short. Personal.
Use hashtags: #MacedonianLanguageMatters, #EUpretends, #SpeakUpForMacedonian.
✔ Contact Media
Write to editors: local and European. Demand coverage and reporting on the issue.
Send letters to portals, radio stations, and TV channels.
✔ Organize an Event
A small poetry event, exhibition, or reading – in a school, library, or park.
The theme is clear: the existence of the Macedonian language as a cultural value.
Don’t wait for institutions to act. You are the initiative.
✔ Contribute with Knowledge, Creativity, Networks
If you’re a designer, create a visual message. If you’re a programmer, build a website.
If you have followers, use your platform.
If you have a relative in the diaspora, involve them.
Identity is not defended only in Brussels. It is defended in every word we write. In every post we share. In every voice we raise
The Macedonian language cannot be erased – as long as there are people to speak it.
Conclusion: Time for a Sustained Campaign
The European Parliament’s report of July 9, 2025, is not just a routine political episode. It is a clear and loud signal that identity issues are not only part of negotiations – they can be a condition for progress or an excuse for a blockade.
This case is not isolated. Similar moves are seen in the treatment of Moldova (with the imposition of “Romanian” language), Bosnia (with the problematization of “Bosnian”), and even Ukraine (where some countries still question the use of Ukrainian in multiethnic contexts). But only Macedonia has so far felt the weight of collective erasure from an European Parliament document.
Therefore, Macedonia must build a strategy that doesn’t end with a single note to Brussels. A sustained, professionally led, culturally and politically robust campaign to promote the Macedonian language and identity in Europe is needed. This campaign must not depend on election cycles, parties, or ministers.
It must include:
Long-term partnerships with MEPs and media.
Investment in cultural diplomacy: literature, art, film, music.
An active diaspora, local communities, and young language ambassadors.
Cooperation with international organizations protecting cultural and linguistic heritage.
Macedonia has something to say. More importantly – it has the right to say it in its own language.
Every idea, action, and message is welcome.
Europe will hear us again – in the Macedonian language!
