The Question of Blame: Bulgaria and North Macedonia’s History and Relationship

The recent discussion surrounding the potential unification of Bulgaria and North Macedonia has reignited longstanding debates. It is important to clarify the historical context and current political reality to understand the reparations and expectations within these neighboring countries.

Historical Context and Debates

It is a common misconception that the political elite or the general population of Bulgaria have ever actively sought the unification with North Macedonia. This notion is frequently presented in various media but lacks factual grounding. The idea that Bulgaria has missed an opportunity since 1991 to incorporate North Macedonia into a single nation is a topic that is not widely discussed in Bulgaria on a national scale, nor within general political discourse.

Some international figures, such as the director of the Russian News Agency, have claimed that North Macedonia only exists due to Bulgaria's reluctance to incorporate it. Similarly, US Republican congressman Dana Rohrabacher has made similar assertions. However, it is crucial to note that the question of inclusion is a one-sided and tendentious issue.

No Attempts at Unification

It is accurate to state that there have never been any significant attempts to incorporate Vardar Macedonia (the western part of North Macedonia) into Bulgaria or to incorporate Pirin Macedonia (the southern part of North Macedonia) into Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). Such claims are not based on factual historical data and serve more to foster a sense of grievance or resentment rather than initiate a productive dialogue.

Contemporary Perspective

For the time being, there is no movement for unification, and it remains a topic that is far from the minds of the Bulgarian populace, particularly those living in the Pirin region. The focus is more on the renaissance of Bulgarian identity within North Macedonia, a process that is still evolving and not without challenges.

Historical Precedents and Current Dynamics

The historical roots of this issue date back to the 1878–1944 period, during which significant changes occurred on the Balkans. However, it is essential to recognize that after World War II, Bulgaria never had plans to incorporate Vardar Macedonia. The geopolitical landscape post-World War II saw a different set of alliances and interests, which played a significant role in shaping the current boundaries and national identities.

Historically, the San Stefano treaty of 1878, which sought to establish an independent Bulgaria with significant territorial extents, did not materialize. Prior to this, agreements such as the Reichstadt agreement and the Budapest convention between Austria-Hungary and Russia stipulated that a large nation composed of Balkan Slavs would not be created. These agreements were part of a broader geopolitical strategy to prevent the emergence of a powerful Slavic state, which was feared by other major European powers at the time.

Current Reality

The current reality is that both Bulgaria and North Macedonia have fully functioning nations with distinct identities and governance structures. While there are certainly historical and cultural ties between the regions, these ties are not strong enough to warrant a unification movement. The dreams of unification portrayed by some commentators are more reflective of nostalgia and romanticized views rather than a concrete and realistic political agenda.

For there to be a genuine movement for unification, there must be a strong desire on both sides, which does not seem to exist at this time. As historians Julien and others have explained, the quest for unification is often driven by political and historical narratives, rather than practical or emotional realities.

It is important to approach these discussions with an open mind and a respect for the current political and cultural realities in both countries. The path to better understanding and cooperation lies in fostering a dialogue that focuses on mutual respect and shared history, rather than blame and historical revisionism.