Re-writing history as a pre-condition of EU membership: The case of North Macedonia

Abstract

This article explores the extended dimensions of Europeanisation, beyond the conventional socio-political and economic aspects, to include cultural values and memory narratives. Examining the Europeanisation process of North Macedonia, specifically in the context of European Union membership aspirations, the study emphasises the influential role of culture and memory in this transformative process. While the European Union negotiation process imposes strict rules, the article argues that the pressure to conform to perceived ‘European’ norms is unmistakable. Using the example of Bulgaria’s influence on North Macedonian history within the European Union membership framework, the analysis demonstrates how the European Union internationalises and Europeanizes historical disputes, with implications for state and international diplomacy. The article highlights the power dynamics in historical disputes. It contends that the European Union’s insistence on resolving historical disputes as a condition for accession leads to negative outcomes, such as hate speech and nationalism, undermining the democratisation goals of Europeanisation.