Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has proposed amendments to the Law on Bulgarian Citizenship, aiming to revocation of citizenship if individuals holding Bulgarian passports engage in offensive or hateful speech against the state, its people, institutions, or national symbols.
The move comes amid concerns primarily stemming from incidents involving North Macedonia, where hate speech has been a significant issue. North Macedonia has experienced increased tensions due to attacks on Bulgarian cultural clubs, leading to their de-registration and violent incidents, including the assault of Hristiyan Pendikov, secretary of the „Boris III” club in Ohrid, and Bekir Kadrieski, chairman of the „Shemeto” Bulgarian association in Struga.
Bulgaria has pressed North Macedonia to address hate speech as a condition for advancing EU membership negotiations, alongside demands for historical clarifications and constitutional changes. However, progress on this front has been limited. Despite these tensions, Macedonian citizens have been among the top applicants for Bulgarian citizenship, with over 129,000 applicants based on Bulgarian origin between 2001 and 2022. The proposal underscores Bulgaria’s determination to uphold respect and allegiance to the state while tackling hate speech, particularly from recipients of Bulgarian citizenship.
Bulgaria’s reluctance to support North Macedonia’s EU membership stems from historical and cultural disputes, notably regarding the interpretation of shared heritage. Bulgaria contends that North Macedonia has distorted historical narratives, specifically related to figures like Goce Delčev, and demands acknowledgment of a common historical framework before supporting EU accession. Unresolved issues, including language and minority rights, contribute to Bulgaria’s reservations and give an example of how regional relations impact North Macedonia’s EU aspirations. Previously, North Macedonia agreed to add „North” to its official name in order to receive approval from Greece to join the EU. Bulgaria is the only serious obstacle that remains for North Macedonian EU membership.
