North Macedonia-Bulgaria historical commission ends meeting without agreement, next round to be held in Sofia

The Joint Multidisciplinary Commission of Experts on Historical and Educational Issues between Bulgaria and North Macedonia made no progress at its meeting on November 5 and 6 in Skopje, Bulgarian news agency BTA reports.

The two sides did not agree on how the Archbishopric of Ohrid should be covered in history textbooks. The Bulgarian proposal to hold a joint commemoration of Dame Gruev also received no response from North Macedonia’s representatives.

According to the Hungarian media outlet, the lack of agreements is another sign of the commission’s deepening stalemate. The commission was established to resolve historical disputes and promote good-neighborly relations between the two countries.

The Bulgarian delegation reiterated its proposal to commemorate Dame Gruev jointly. December 2026 will mark 120 years since the death of the revolutionary, who is regarded as an important figure in the histories of Bulgaria and Macedonia. However, the Macedonian side has not responded to the proposal.

Meanwhile, North Macedonia’s representatives presented a previously drafted text concerning a joint commemoration of the resistance to antisemitism, fascism and National Socialism that began in both countries in 1941.

The Bulgarian side opposed the proposal, arguing that this resistance is commemorated across Europe and should not be treated solely as a bilateral initiative. It said the commission should remain focused on unresolved issues relating to the 11th century.

The meeting in Skopje was the commission’s fifth in 2026. Bulgarian historians again drew attention to the European Parliament’s and European Commission’s expectations for clear, concrete results.

The European Commission’s report also notes that four meetings were held between September 2025 and March 2026, but produced no concrete results.

The commission’s next meeting will be held in Sofia in early December.