Tens of thousands of North Macedonians protest proposed terms of EU accession in the captial Skopje.
Anti-EU sentiment in the country of 2 million is high as many fear EU entry requirements will erode their unique culture.
The dispute revolves around North Macedonia’s long and complex history with EU member and neighbour Bulgaria.
As an EU member Bulgaria retains veto powers over new members, wants North Macedonia to formally recognize that its Macedonian language has Bulgarian roots, to recognize a Bulgarian minority in the country and to quash “hate speech” against Bulgaria.
Both countries have been locked in a bitter dispute about history and identity for decades, and Bulgaria has been blocking North Macedonia’s EU accession since 2020, demanding concessions from Skopje.
Macedonia ???????? Anti EU Protests ???? Stunning Scenes as The People gather in SKOPJE to protest against Proposals to join the EU ????????…The World is on Fire ???????????? pic.twitter.com/A5vfKzWhBj
— ???????????????????????????????????????????????????? (@risemelbourne) July 10, 2022
