Iva Mihaylova case strains relations between Skopje and Sofia

The reception of Iva Mihaylova in Sofia has sharply increased tensions between Skopje and Sofia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia said, announcing it will raise the matter with European institutions.

Skopje signals a formal protest

In an official statement, the Ministry said it will inform international partners, "especially the institutions of the European Union and the Council of Europe," adding that such actions "directly undermine trust between the two states and raise serious questions about consistency in upholding shared European values."

The ministry also warned that national origin must not be used "as an alibi for evading justice," and said it will open the case before European bodies to seek clarification and response.

Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova said she was prepared to meet Mihaylova in person. Asked by Bulgarian media whether she would see her, Yotova replied: "I will meet with her at the first opportunity, if they do not keep her in the hospital. But even if they keep her in the hospital, I will do everything I can to see her." When asked what reaction she expected from North Macedonia, Yotova added: "We will see. There are still many unclear circumstances. I think other competent authorities in Bulgaria should answer the questions that interest you."

Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdjiev announced an inquiry into the circumstances of Mihaylova's border crossing and said authorities will assess whether she needs protection. "I have been informed that she and her lawyer are in Pirogov. Actions will be taken for her to be questioned, to determine whether, when, where and how she crossed the border. We will check whether they need protection and if such a need exists, it will be provided," he said.

The case was also discussed during a meeting in Sofia between North Macedonia's foreign minister, Timcho Mucunski, and Bulgaria's Velislava Petrova-Chamova. The meeting covered, among other matters, the possibility of Bulgarian doctors evaluating Mihaylova's health. Mihaylova, who holds both Macedonian and Bulgarian citizenship, has said she was discriminated against because of her Bulgarian origin and that she was not allowed to travel to Bulgaria for treatment after her identity documents were confiscated during legal proceedings.

Photo: press material from the event