North Macedonia summons Bulgarian ambassador after Iva Mihajlova reception
Skopje called the high‑level welcome a provocation, said it undermines trust and announced it will notify the EU and the Council of Europe.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade summoned Bulgaria’s ambassador to North Macedonia, Zhelyazko Radukov, on October 13, 2026, after the reception given to Iva Mihajlova in Sofia and announcements of a high‑level welcome.
Skopje says reception undermines trust and judicial processes
The ministry told the ambassador that the manner in which Mihajlova was received — including publicised plans for an official-level reception — was viewed as a provocation that damages efforts to build mutual trust and runs counter to the work of improving neighbourly relations.
Officials stressed to Radukov that such actions amount to interference in the domestic legal system and send the wrong message about respect for judicial proceedings and equality before the law.
The ministry also stated: "Nationality or holding another citizenship must not be used as a basis to shield someone from responsibility before the competent institutions."
Skopje said it expects Bulgaria, as a member of the European Union, to adhere to European principles — the rule of law, institutional cooperation and respect for judicial procedures — and announced it will inform international bodies, notably the European Union and the Council of Europe, about the developments.
The ministry reiterated that North Macedonia remains committed to developing good‑neighbourly relations, but insisted that this commitment must be reciprocated through mutual respect and trust based on common European principles.
Photo: press material from the event
