Sofia, 15 December 2021 (MIA) – Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said Wednesday he is satisfied the European leaders have “finally understood” where the real problem with North Macedonia is, noting that all attempts to pressure Sofia have proven “counterproductive”. “At all European Council meetings since May, I had discussed the Republic of North Macedonia issue with every European leader. I want to thank them because for the second time the topic was not in the agenda. Our partners have finally understood where the real problem is. The issue deeply affects the basis of the EU itself – human rights and non-discrimination,” Radev told Bulgarian media while in Brussels attending the sixth Eastern Partnership Summit and the European Council. Sofia, said Radev, will continue to defend its position, not only history and the main priority is respect of the human rights of people with Bulgarian identity, BGNES news agency reported. “We’re not setting dates. This process is not led by dates but by results,” the Bulgarian President stated. According to him, all attempts to exert pressure on Bulgaria have proven counterproductive. “French President Emmanuel Macron is clearly informed about Bulgaria’s position, which is why I don’t expect pressure. We have a clear deal. We [Bulgaria] has to solve energy issues with France,” President Radev said.