Sofia, 18 December 2023 (MIA) - Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel said that Bulgaria has no bilateral problem with the Republic of North Macedonia regarding EU integration and that the requirements for the progress on Skopje's European path encompass not only adoption of constitutional amendments, but also compliance with the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation, and the two protocols, signed with Bulgaria.

“Bulgaria has no bilateral problem with the Republic of North Macedonia. In the name of the common European interest, Bulgaria tells North Macedonia what it means to be a member of the European Union. We have three interconnected instruments and a very clear position from the National Assembly. Requirements of our neighbouring country encompass not only adoption of constitutional amendments, but also compliance with the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation, and the two protocols, signed with Bulgaria,” she said at the Parliamentary committee on foreign policy when asked about North Macedonia’s path towards the European Union, BTA reported.

According to Gabriel, it is important for Bulgaria to see North Macedonia's progress in other areas if it experiences difficulties in the adoption of constitutional changes. Gabriel underscored that two technical meetings had been held in July in Sofia and in October in Skopje, from which it transpired that, regrettably, there was no progress.

“Bulgaria is defending a very clear position in front of the entire European Union. We are a member state and as such, our demands to the Republic of North Macedonia say that when you want to be a member of the European Union you must fulfil the obligations that you have undertaken yourself. The plan for the protection of minorities is now a criterion if North Macedonia wants to become a candidate for EU membership,” Gabriel stressed.

Photo: EPA