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 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 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 investigations10 articles
Bulgarians in North Macedonia Argue Their Human Rights Don’t Stand in Country’s Way to EU
Bulgarian associations in North Macedonia urged that their constitutional recognition not be used as political leverage, stressing it is essential for the country’s EU accession.
North Macedonia Court Convicts Defunct Cultural Club Leader over Facebook Posts, He Will Appeal Verdict
A Bitola court gave Ljupcho Georgievski a suspended sentence for inciting ethnic hatred, drawing strong criticism from Bulgaria over alleged discrimination.
Bulgarian Activist in North Macedonia Faces Criminal Charges
An opposition party in North Macedonia called The Left said it has submitted a criminal complaint to the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Ohrid against Hristian Pendikov.
Your Voice Can Make a Difference
Join thousands of concerned citizens in advocating for equal rights and fair treatment for Bulgarians in North Macedonia.