Skopje, 26 February 2026 (MIA) - We must find a solution for the Bulgaria challenge, through active dialogue but within our principled positions. We cannot let ourselves be held hostage to bilateral processes, which is not fair for the country, and our citizens and institutions don't deserve this. That is why some rational solution must be reached, giving our country and our people predictability on the European path that is supported by a vast majority, said Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski after a meeting with Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlić Radman in Skopje on Thursday.

FM Mucunski said caution is needed due to the coming elections in Bulgaria, adding that he has already spoken over the phone with the caretaker foreign minister and expects to meet her at the earliest opportunity.

"Our country needs to continue on its strategic path, we are a NATO member, a country that must reach its goal - full-fledged EU membership. We do not have the luxury of saying 'stop' at any time. On the contrary, we must first focus on the domestic agenda, where we are frontliners compared to other regional countries, but there are still more challenges ahead. We are delivering results and this is visble in the reform agenda over the past few months. We also must find a solution to the Bulgaria challenge. We can see this from two perspectives. First, we have principled positions that we have presented before member-states and neighboring Bulgaria. Nevertheless, we must have an active dialogue with our neighbor, present our concerns and discuss the way towards a solution. A few days ago, I spoke to the new caretaker foreign minister and I expect to meet with her at the first opportunity and discuss what we can do in the coming period during the term of the caretaker government. However, we must be cautious as well. As Gordan (Grlić Radman) said, election-related activities are ongoing in Bulgaria and what we say can easily become part of the election narrative there. Eventually, this could worsen our positions in any talks with our neighbor," Mucunski told a joint press conference.

On relations with Croatia, the FM reiterated that countries share excellent friendly ties and cooperation in all fields of mutual interest, with no open issues.

"We serve as a model of bilateral cooperation that is continually evolving. We expect that a strategic partnership agreement will soon be reached, covering the sectors of economy, trade, security and political cooperation, energy. Croatia is also our strong principled supporter in our efforts for European integration. We need to look at Croatia as our mentor in the Euro-integration process, both from a political and technical standpoint, since there are many active projects not always visible for the people but helpful on the European path," said Mucunski.

Photo: MIA