Stand Against Discrimination of Bulgarians in North Macedonia
Help address the ongoing discrimination faced by the Bulgarian community in North Macedonia by contacting your European Parliament representatives today.
Understanding the Issue
Bulgarians in North Macedonia face systematic discrimination that requires immediate attention from EU institutions.
The Bulgarian community in North Macedonia faces systematic discrimination that contradicts European values of equality, diversity, and respect for human rights.
Historical Context: Bulgarians have been an integral part of the region's history, yet their cultural identity is systematically suppressed.
EU Accession Process: North Macedonia's EU membership aspirations require addressing minority rights issues as part of the Copenhagen criteria.
European Values: The EU stands for protecting minority rights and cultural diversity across all member and candidate states.
Bilateral Relations: Resolving these issues is crucial for improving relations between Bulgaria and North Macedonia and regional stability.
By raising awareness and engaging with MEPs, we can work towards ensuring that the rights of Bulgarians in North Macedonia are respected and protected in accordance with European standards.
Documented Cases of Discrimination
Evidence of systematic discrimination against Bulgarians in North Macedonia
Cultural Rights Violations
Restrictions on the use of Bulgarian language in public institutions and education, limiting cultural expression and identity.
Historical Revisionism
Systematic erasure and distortion of Bulgarian historical and cultural heritage in educational materials and public discourse.
Political Representation
Barriers to political participation and representation for ethnic Bulgarians in local and national governance.
Hate Speech
Documented cases of anti-Bulgarian rhetoric in media and by public officials, creating a hostile environment.
Employment Discrimination
Systematic disadvantages in employment opportunities for those who identify as Bulgarian or have Bulgarian ancestry.
Census Manipulation
Concerns about the accuracy of census data regarding the Bulgarian population and their representation.
Legal Proceedings Timeline
Comprehensive timeline tracking criminal cases and incidents affecting the Bulgarian community
Legal Proceedings & Medical Travel Timeline
Sourced timeline of the criminal proceedings against Iva Mihaylova following a fatal road collision in North Macedonia, her requests to travel for medical treatment, and official responses. The trial remains ongoing as of 6 September 2026.
Fatal collision near Kočani
Iva Mihaylova is involved in a road collision near Kočani that leaves one person dead and several people, including Mihaylova, injured.
Court refuses to lift travel ban for spinal treatment
The court refuses Iva Mihaylova's request to lift the travel ban so she can obtain medical treatment for her spinal condition.
Request refused; travel ban remains in force
Court refuses to lift travel ban for spinal treatment
The court refuses Iva Mihaylova's request to lift the travel ban so she can obtain medical treatment for her spinal condition.
Request refused; travel ban remains in force
Court refuses to lift travel ban for spinal treatment
The court refuses Iva Mihaylova's request to lift the travel ban so she can obtain medical treatment for her spinal condition.
Request refused; travel ban remains in force
Bulgarian MFA confirms legal and medical-document assistance
Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry publishes a statement about Mihaylova's inability to travel for treatment and the assistance already provided to her.
Foreign minister briefs MPs on treatment options
Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova tells a Bulgarian parliamentary committee that Bulgarian medical specialists are prepared to travel to Kočani if Mihaylova cannot leave North Macedonia.
Trial opens; competing expert reports admitted
The trial begins in the Basic Court in Kočani. The defence submits two expert reports contradicting the prosecution's reconstruction, and the court adjourns to allow their examination.
Trial adjourned to 29–30 July 2026
Witness hearings examine the collision
The court hears witnesses, including the other vehicle's driver and occupants. BNT reports gaps in their recollections and differing accounts of events around the collision.
Eyewitness supports defence account
Deyvid Krstev, a driver travelling behind Mihaylova, testifies that she remained in her lane and that the collision occurred there. The prosecutor challenges differences from his earlier statement.
Mother raises concerns with Bulgarian MPs
Hristina Mihaylova presents concerns about her daughter's trial and access to treatment to members of Bulgaria's Committee on Policies for Bulgarians Abroad.
Informal discussion; no formal committee vote
Court again refuses medical travel
The Basic Court in Kočani again refuses Mihaylova's request for the temporary return of her passports to obtain treatment abroad, according to her lawyer.
Request refused; appeal announced
Perjury charge against Deyvid Krstev reported
Bulgarian media report that Deyvid Krstev, the eyewitness whose testimony supported Mihaylova's account of the collision, has been charged with giving false testimony by North Macedonian prosecutors.
Perjury charge reported; exact charging date and subsequent outcome unverified
Bulgaria announces a diplomatic protest note
Prime Minister Rumen Radev says Bulgaria has prepared a diplomatic protest note concerning Mihaylova's treatment and the repeated refusals of permission to travel.
Court refuses to lift travel ban for spinal treatment
The court refuses Iva Mihaylova's request to lift the travel ban so she can obtain medical treatment for her spinal condition.
Request refused; travel ban remains in force
Štip Court of Appeal upholds travel restriction
The Court of Appeal in Štip rejects Mihaylova's challenge to the refusal of permission to travel to Bulgaria for medical treatment.
Travel restriction upheld; criminal trial continues separately
Bulgarian MFA criticises appellate refusal
Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry criticises the continued refusal of medical travel and pledges to pursue diplomatic and legal measures in support of Mihaylova.
Demonstrations in Kočani and Sofia
Supporters gather outside the Kočani courthouse and North Macedonia's embassy in Sofia, calling for a fair trial and access to medical treatment.
Final witness heard; expert examination begins
A hearing lasting more than seven hours hears the final police witness and begins examination of an expert. The court schedules the continuation for 28 September.
Trial ongoing; next hearing scheduled for 28 September 2026
Preparation of Strasbourg complaint reported
BNT reports that lawyers are preparing a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights concerning Mihaylova's inability to travel for treatment.
Complaint preparation reported; filing unverified
Foreign minister meets Mihaylova's mother
Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova meets Hristina Mihaylova and reiterates Bulgaria's support for her daughter's legal defence and access to treatment.
Investigation and Response Timeline
Timeline of the verbal and physical attack on journalist Vladimir Perev born 1945, and the key reactions and legal steps that followed.
Verbal and Physical Attack on Vladimir Perev
Perev was attacked in a supermarket in Skopje and injured.
The victim is recovering, has reported the attack to police, and is seeking answers.
Legal Proceedings Timeline
Comprehensive timeline of criminal cases and legal proceedings against Ljupco Georgievski
First court session & plate-removal debate
At a preliminary hearing in Bitola, the judge suspended a parallel misdemeanour case and confirmed that criminal proceedings for hate-speech charges were under way against club president Ljupčo Georgievski.
Formal indictment for hate speech
Bitola prosecutors filed an indictment charging Georgievski with inciting national, racial and religious hatred and distributing racist/xenophobic material online.
Case sent to Basic Court for trial
Main trial restarts after delay
Opening of the restarted main trial; defendant proclaims himself a “proud Vancho-Mihajlovist” while prosecution presents Facebook evidence.
Ex-PM testifies for defence
Former North-Macedonian Prime Minister Ljubčo Georgievski appears as the final defence witness, arguing Ivan Mihajlov was not a fascist.
Guilty verdict & suspended sentence
The Basic Court in Bitola finds Georgievski guilty of inciting xenophobia and hate; imposes a one-year prison term, suspended for two years.
One-year sentence (suspended); appeal period opened
Bulgarian MFA condemns verdict
Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry issues a position paper calling the verdict ‘totally unacceptable’ and pledges to raise the case in the EU.
Investigation and Response Timeline
Timeline of events following the beating of Hristijan Pendikov and subsequent investigations
Assault on Hristijan Pendikov
Pendikov was attacked outside a restaurant in Ohrid and seriously injured.
Victim hospitalized; criminal case opened
Suspect Charged in Ohrid
The main suspect in the Pendikov assault was charged with grievous bodily harm.
Pendikov Airlifted to Sofia
Bulgarian government evacuated Pendikov for treatment at a military hospital.
Bulgaria Recalls Ambassador
Ambassador Angelov recalled for consultations after the assault.
Diplomatic protest against North Macedonia
Cultural Club Shut Down
North Macedonia deregistered the King Boris III club under new laws.
Club removed from official registry
Attackers Convicted
Court sentenced two men to 8 months for assaulting Pendikov; hate motive not established.
Conviction with light sentence; appeals possible
Legal Proceedings & Medical Travel Timeline
Sourced timeline of the criminal proceedings against Iva Mihaylova following a fatal road collision in North Macedonia, her requests to travel for medical treatment, and official responses. The trial remains ongoing as of 6 September 2026.
Fatal collision near Kočani
Iva Mihaylova is involved in a road collision near Kočani that leaves one person dead and several people, including Mihaylova, injured.
Court refuses to lift travel ban for spinal treatment
The court refuses Iva Mihaylova's request to lift the travel ban so she can obtain medical treatment for her spinal condition.
Request refused; travel ban remains in force
Court refuses to lift travel ban for spinal treatment
The court refuses Iva Mihaylova's request to lift the travel ban so she can obtain medical treatment for her spinal condition.
Request refused; travel ban remains in force
Court refuses to lift travel ban for spinal treatment
The court refuses Iva Mihaylova's request to lift the travel ban so she can obtain medical treatment for her spinal condition.
Request refused; travel ban remains in force
Bulgarian MFA confirms legal and medical-document assistance
Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry publishes a statement about Mihaylova's inability to travel for treatment and the assistance already provided to her.
Foreign minister briefs MPs on treatment options
Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova tells a Bulgarian parliamentary committee that Bulgarian medical specialists are prepared to travel to Kočani if Mihaylova cannot leave North Macedonia.
Trial opens; competing expert reports admitted
The trial begins in the Basic Court in Kočani. The defence submits two expert reports contradicting the prosecution's reconstruction, and the court adjourns to allow their examination.
Trial adjourned to 29–30 July 2026
Witness hearings examine the collision
The court hears witnesses, including the other vehicle's driver and occupants. BNT reports gaps in their recollections and differing accounts of events around the collision.
Eyewitness supports defence account
Deyvid Krstev, a driver travelling behind Mihaylova, testifies that she remained in her lane and that the collision occurred there. The prosecutor challenges differences from his earlier statement.
Mother raises concerns with Bulgarian MPs
Hristina Mihaylova presents concerns about her daughter's trial and access to treatment to members of Bulgaria's Committee on Policies for Bulgarians Abroad.
Informal discussion; no formal committee vote
Court again refuses medical travel
The Basic Court in Kočani again refuses Mihaylova's request for the temporary return of her passports to obtain treatment abroad, according to her lawyer.
Request refused; appeal announced
Perjury charge against Deyvid Krstev reported
Bulgarian media report that Deyvid Krstev, the eyewitness whose testimony supported Mihaylova's account of the collision, has been charged with giving false testimony by North Macedonian prosecutors.
Perjury charge reported; exact charging date and subsequent outcome unverified
Bulgaria announces a diplomatic protest note
Prime Minister Rumen Radev says Bulgaria has prepared a diplomatic protest note concerning Mihaylova's treatment and the repeated refusals of permission to travel.
Court refuses to lift travel ban for spinal treatment
The court refuses Iva Mihaylova's request to lift the travel ban so she can obtain medical treatment for her spinal condition.
Request refused; travel ban remains in force
Štip Court of Appeal upholds travel restriction
The Court of Appeal in Štip rejects Mihaylova's challenge to the refusal of permission to travel to Bulgaria for medical treatment.
Travel restriction upheld; criminal trial continues separately
Bulgarian MFA criticises appellate refusal
Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry criticises the continued refusal of medical travel and pledges to pursue diplomatic and legal measures in support of Mihaylova.
Demonstrations in Kočani and Sofia
Supporters gather outside the Kočani courthouse and North Macedonia's embassy in Sofia, calling for a fair trial and access to medical treatment.
Final witness heard; expert examination begins
A hearing lasting more than seven hours hears the final police witness and begins examination of an expert. The court schedules the continuation for 28 September.
Trial ongoing; next hearing scheduled for 28 September 2026
Preparation of Strasbourg complaint reported
BNT reports that lawyers are preparing a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights concerning Mihaylova's inability to travel for treatment.
Complaint preparation reported; filing unverified
Foreign minister meets Mihaylova's mother
Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova meets Hristina Mihaylova and reiterates Bulgaria's support for her daughter's legal defence and access to treatment.
Investigation and Response Timeline
Timeline of the verbal and physical attack on journalist Vladimir Perev born 1945, and the key reactions and legal steps that followed.
Verbal and Physical Attack on Vladimir Perev
Perev was attacked in a supermarket in Skopje and injured.
The victim is recovering, has reported the attack to police, and is seeking answers.
Legal Proceedings Timeline
Comprehensive timeline of criminal cases and legal proceedings against Ljupco Georgievski
First court session & plate-removal debate
At a preliminary hearing in Bitola, the judge suspended a parallel misdemeanour case and confirmed that criminal proceedings for hate-speech charges were under way against club president Ljupčo Georgievski.
Formal indictment for hate speech
Bitola prosecutors filed an indictment charging Georgievski with inciting national, racial and religious hatred and distributing racist/xenophobic material online.
Case sent to Basic Court for trial
Main trial restarts after delay
Opening of the restarted main trial; defendant proclaims himself a “proud Vancho-Mihajlovist” while prosecution presents Facebook evidence.
Ex-PM testifies for defence
Former North-Macedonian Prime Minister Ljubčo Georgievski appears as the final defence witness, arguing Ivan Mihajlov was not a fascist.
Guilty verdict & suspended sentence
The Basic Court in Bitola finds Georgievski guilty of inciting xenophobia and hate; imposes a one-year prison term, suspended for two years.
One-year sentence (suspended); appeal period opened
Bulgarian MFA condemns verdict
Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry issues a position paper calling the verdict ‘totally unacceptable’ and pledges to raise the case in the EU.
Investigation and Response Timeline
Timeline of events following the beating of Hristijan Pendikov and subsequent investigations
Assault on Hristijan Pendikov
Pendikov was attacked outside a restaurant in Ohrid and seriously injured.
Victim hospitalized; criminal case opened
Suspect Charged in Ohrid
The main suspect in the Pendikov assault was charged with grievous bodily harm.
Pendikov Airlifted to Sofia
Bulgarian government evacuated Pendikov for treatment at a military hospital.
Bulgaria Recalls Ambassador
Ambassador Angelov recalled for consultations after the assault.
Diplomatic protest against North Macedonia
Cultural Club Shut Down
North Macedonia deregistered the King Boris III club under new laws.
Club removed from official registry
Attackers Convicted
Court sentenced two men to 8 months for assaulting Pendikov; hate motive not established.
Conviction with light sentence; appeals possible
Contact Your MEP
Your voice matters. Reach out to your representatives in the European Parliament to address this issue.
Resources & Further Reading
Learn more about the situation and find supporting documentation.
Reports & Studies
Official reports, academic research, and policy analysis7 resources
Policy Recommendations for Historical Reconciliation in the Republic of North Macedonia
2021Discussion on the historical reconciliation in the Republic of North Macedonia as a necessary and unavoidable condition for stopping ethnic confrontation, persecution and rights violations of citizens with Bulgarian ethnic identity, and for creating a new model of relations in the country.
No Country for Old Men: The Case of the Invisible Bulgarians in North Macedonia
2025Analysis of North Macedonia's refusal to recognize its Bulgarian community despite EU obligations, highlighting systemic discrimination. It links this to deeper national, political, and geopolitical crises.
Violations of the Human Rights of Bulgarians in the Republic of North Macedonia
2024Exploration of the historical and political evolution of the Macedonian Question, focusing on Bulgarian-Macedonian relations, identity, and regional tensions from the 20th century to today.
Articles & News
Latest news coverage and journalistic investigations21 articles
Bulgaria Condemns Politically Motivated Vandalism Against Cultural Club in North Macedonia
The Bulgarian cultural club 'Ivan Mihailov' in Bitola has again fallen victim to vandalism, with masked individuals covering the building in graffiti.
Foreign Ministry Reacts to Vandalism against Bulgarian Club in North Macedonia
Bulgaria's Deputy Foreign Minister Marin Raykov expressed concerns over an act of vandalism against a club of the Bulgarian community in Bitola, North Macedonia, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
Prominent Macedonian Bulgarian attacked in Skopje, official Sofia reacts
Former journalist Vlado Perev (80) says the attack is 'a policy of Greater Serbian nationalism, not to say fascism, aimed solely at Bulgarians in Macedonia.'
Your Voice Can Make a Difference
Join thousands of concerned citizens in advocating for equal rights and fair treatment for Bulgarians in North Macedonia.