Mickoski: We do not ask Europe to choose between North Macedonia and Bulgaria; we ask for equal European principles

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski used the state commemoration in Kumanovo on 11 October to mark 85 years since the start of the anti-fascist uprising and to call for national unity, dignity and an unconditioned European future.

Opening his address at the Memorial Ossuary under the slogan "Ideals that build the future," Mickoski framed the occasion as a reminder of both sacrifice and obligation. "Today we stand before the history of a people who through the centuries have passed through too many trials, too many injustices, entanglements, but never gave up their right to be free, to be themselves, to have their own home and their own state," he said.

Calls for dignity and equal European principles

Mickoski urged overcoming divisions and confronting domestic weaknesses, arguing that the state must be defended with principles, trust and measurable results rather than insults or secret deals. "The state is a pledge to every citizen that his future will not depend on someone's personal interests, but on his work, his knowledge and his abilities. And here lies our greatest responsibility. To build a homeland that will not only celebrate its history, but a state that will create new victories for history. A history of economic success, of institutional justice, of national dignity. A history of development and progress," he said.

On relations with the country's eastern neighbour, Mickoski insisted that North Macedonia does not seek concessions that would erode its identity and that dignity cannot be bargained away. "We will not build the future on hatred. We will not turn differences into enmity. We will not allow the past to be an obstacle to cooperation. But we will not give up our own dignity. Because true friendship does not ask for self-abandonment. True friendship is based on mutual respect. And the true European future must be one in which the state enters with its head held high. Not with a feeling of defeat. But with a sense of belonging," he said.

He reiterated a clear demand for European fairness: "With our eastern neighbour we are bound by neighbourhood, history and the future of this region. For the past we may have different interpretations. For the future we must have a shared responsibility — to build relations where no one will have to deny the other to confirm himself. Our language is not an obstacle to the European future. It is part of Europe's cultural wealth. Our identity is not a problem to be solved, but a dignity to be respected. We do not ask Europe to choose between us and them. We ask that European principles apply equally to all. I do not want the generations to come to inherit our mistrust. I want them to inherit our courage to solve problems," Mickoski said.

Against a backdrop of economic and institutional goals, the prime minister called the nation to aim higher: to set bold national objectives, make courageous decisions and build a state that progresses rather than merely survives. "It is time for big decisions. It is time for big deeds. It is time for a new national self-confidence," he said, urging that the legacy of those who fought for freedom be preserved and strengthened for future generations.

Photo: Vlada na Republika Severna Makedonija, Sektor za odnosi so j