Professor Aleksandër Spasov: Bulgaria may demand renunciation of Macedonian citizenship, but the decision is not implemented automatically

If Bulgaria were to require citizens of North Macedonia who hold Bulgarian passports to renounce their Macedonian citizenship, such a move would not produce immediate automatic consequences. This was clarified by Professor Aleksandër Spasov from the Faculty of Law at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University (UKIM) in Skopje, in an interview for TV 24.

He spoke about the consequences such a step by official Sofia could bring if the aim were to artificially increase the number of Bulgarians in the country. According to the latest official census, that number stands at only 3,500 people.

At the same time, unofficial data suggests that between 120,000 and 200,000 citizens of North Macedonia hold Bulgarian passports.

According to Spasov, in theoretical terms Bulgaria can put forward such a request, but that does not mean it would be implemented automatically.

“Bulgaria may request it, but Macedonia may refuse. Citizens cannot independently decide on their citizenship. States decide on matters related to the acquisition or loss of citizenship in accordance with their laws,” Spasov explains.

This means that even in the event of a possible request from the Bulgarian side, a citizen of North Macedonia would not automatically lose their native citizenship, since the procedures and decision-making on this issue depend on the states and the relevant legislation.

The professor also addresses the obligations arising from Bulgarian citizenship, stressing that holding a Bulgarian passport brings not only benefits, but also the same responsibilities as those of any other Bulgarian citizen.

“Every person who has Bulgarian citizenship has the same rights, but also the same obligations as other Bulgarian citizens.”

As an illustration, Spasov mentions that if Bulgaria decides in the future to reinstate compulsory military service, then this obligation would also apply to citizens from North Macedonia who hold Bulgarian passports. He also adds that these individuals are subject to Bulgarian laws in matters related to hate speech, insult, or other criminal offenses, if there is a legal basis and jurisdiction on Sofia’s part.

In essence, Professor Spasov’s message remains unchanged: even if Bulgaria exerts such pressure, “Bulgaria may request it, but Macedonia has the right to refuse,” writes Zhurnal.mk.