The European Parliament has expressed regret over North Macedonia’s stalled progress toward European Union membership. A report on the country’s advancement, part of a wider Western Balkans package, explicitly links the commencement of accession talks to a constitutional amendment. This amendment would require the inclusion of Bulgarians within the nation’s constitution. The report’s author, Thomas, reinforced this condition as the sole prerequisite for initiating negotiations. The Parliament’s stance underscores ongoing disputes between North Macedonia and Bulgaria, which have hindered the country’s EU aspirations. Failure to meet this condition will likely prolong the delay in starting EU accession talks. The situation highlights the complex political challenges facing North Macedonia as it seeks closer ties with the bloc.