North Macedonia’s opposition is strongly criticizing the government for engaging in “secret talks” with Bulgaria, alleging a lack of transparency regarding efforts to resolve a long-standing dispute. Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani recently revealed the government is actively pursuing behind-the-scenes negotiations, aiming to overcome obstacles to North Macedonia’s European Union accession process. Opposition parties claim they have been excluded from discussions and are demanding greater clarity on the content of these talks. The dispute with Bulgaria centers on issues of language, history, and cultural identity, which have blocked North Macedonia's EU membership negotiations. Critics fear the government may concede too much to Bulgaria in pursuit of unblocking the EU path. The opposition is calling for full public disclosure of the negotiation process and its potential outcomes, emphasizing the importance of national interests being protected. This situation raises concerns about democratic accountability and the potential for a divisive agreement.