25% of North Macedonia's population has Bulgarian citizenship

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Over the past 18 years, more than 216,000 citizens of North Macedonia have obtained Bulgarian passports, a figure that represents approximately a quarter of the country's population. 

Minister Mitov stressed that receiving a Bulgarian passport is not an arbitrary act, but one grounded in citizenship law. Those who acquire Bulgarian citizenship through the proper legal channels have every right to receive official documents proving their status.

One of the most attractive reasons for acquiring Bulgarian citizenship is access to the European Union’s benefits. With a Bulgarian passport, North Macedonians gain visa-free travel across all EU member states.

This greatly facilitates opportunities for work, study, and long-term residence throughout Europe, which would otherwise be more complicated to arrange. Being part of the EU’s single market opens doors to better employment prospects, healthcare systems, and education within member countries. For many North Macedonian citizens, holding Bulgarian citizenship is a gateway to an improved quality of life and greater economic security.

Source: https://www.novinite.com/articles/233049/Nearly+a+Quarter+Million+Macedonians+Are+Now+Bulgarian+Citizens+-+Here’s+Why.

[PartySick 174,284]

As an American I have no idea what these countries are I fear

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Just now, PartySick said:

As an American I have no idea what these countries are I fear

This is the equivalent of US granting citizenship to people living in territories they previously controlled but are now independent, like Philipines, on the basis that their ancestors were American nationals.

[PartySick 174,284]

4 minutes ago, FfFfFfFF said:

This is the equivalent of US granting citizenship to people living in territories they previously controlled but are now independent, like Philipines, on the basis that their ancestors were American nationals.

So like if Puerto Rico became an independent state but Puerto Ricans were still recognized as Americans?

I mean...I'm generally a "borders are stupid" kind of guy so I'm good with it lmao

[John Wayne 4,527]

As a Macedonian myself, it’s no wonder why so many people are doing this. The political corruption here is absolutely horrid, the entire population is practically living in survival mode. The only people left in the country are the elderly and those with already-established businesses because there’s no opportunities or future for the youth

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34 minutes ago, PartySick said:

So like if Puerto Rico became an independent state but Puerto Ricans were still recognized as Americans?

I mean...I'm generally a "borders are stupid" kind of guy so I'm good with it lmao

Yes basically, if Puerto Ricans were treated as US citizens, but became part of China down the line and eventually independent (China in this situation would be the equivalent of Serbia/Yugoslavia, Bulgaria's historical ''competitor''). 

[RAMROD 118,003]

Aren't North Macedonians racist and homophobic? I think I've heard that somewhere before 

[Doroteyo 451]

3 hours ago, RAMROD said:

Aren't North Macedonians racist and homophobic? I think I've heard that somewhere before 

aren't americans? think i've heard that

[RAMROD 118,003]

7 minutes ago, Doroteyo said:

aren't americans? think i've heard that

Well yes

[Tinnitus15 51,886]

5 hours ago, PartySick said:

As an American I have no idea what these countries are I fear

As a Bulgarian I’m OFFENDED 

[The Breast 6,779]

4 hours ago, RAMROD said:

Aren't North Macedonians racist and homophobic? I think I've heard that somewhere before 

Like most of eastern europe 

[RAMROD 118,003]

3 minutes ago, Tinnitus15 said:

As a Bulgarian I’m OFFENDED 

I guess some people only know Victor Krum is from there 

[PartySick 174,284]

32 minutes ago, Tinnitus15 said:

As a Bulgarian I’m OFFENDED 

Pls  

Ok, I know the countries, just not their histories or relationships with one another