When European Commissioner Marta Kos reduced Macedonian identity to bread and traditional dishes, a scandal erupted! Her statement that sensitive identity issues cannot be solved with gastronomic metaphors sparked a wave of outrage in North Macedonia. “Identity is not a political decision; it is something we carry in our hearts,” Kos said, but only added fuel to the fire. Left-wing parties and Eurosceptics exploded with criticism, claiming the EU is devaluing Macedonian identity and undermining trust in membership. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski fired back — reminding everyone of the historical figures and struggles that form the core of Macedonian identity, making it clear to Brussels that simplistic and offensive perceptions won’t fly. While the EU pushes reforms, Macedonian public trust in the process is eroding, and sensitive identity issues remain a stumbling block. This diplomatic episode at the Skopje summit shows that the road to the EU is not just about economics and reforms, but also about deep national feelings that no one should underestimate. Think identity is just about food? Think again, and maybe drop a comment — what’s your take on these culinary metaphors in politics?
