Sofia, 25 June 2024 (MIA) - The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement on Tuesday in response to Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski's statement that if there is political will, a solution with Bulgaria is possible and the negotiating framework with the European Union can be changed. 

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria insistently recalls that the European consensus reached in the summer of 2022 between the 27 EU member states and North Macedonia itself, clearly outlines the steps to achieve real progress in the European integration process of the neighbouring country. Also, the principle of unanimity in the EU enlargement process is embedded in the Treaty on European Union and in the negotiating frameworks of all previous and current enlargements. Raising ideas of renegotiating already undertaken international commitments will only lead to further distancing from the start of EU accession negotiations. We'd like to remind that as a result of unnecessary provocations and confrontation with neighbouring countries, North Macedonia has already wasted too much time in the process of opening accession negotiations," reads the statement of the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry. 

Authorities in Sofia, it adds, find "unacceptable the stated intention of the new government of North Macedonia to reject the legitimate request of part of its own citizens to guarantee rights and freedoms on an equal basis with all other communities in North Macedonia, including through their inclusion in the neighbouring country's Constitution". 

"Equally unacceptable is the stated intention of North Macedonia not to adhere to its international commitments and signed agreements. Such a position is incompatible with progress on the European path. It leaves serious concerns that in its policy towards Bulgarians and Bulgaria, the current government in Skopje risks being trapped by the dogmas of a bygone era, rejected by all democratic societies. The Bulgarian position is clearly stated in the Decision of the National Assembly dated June 24, 2022, supported by all political forces. It is an expression of the will of the Bulgarian citizens to support North Macedonia in the process of fulfilling the EU membership criteria, provided that the neighbouring country adheres to the highest standards in the area of human rights and fulfils the international commitments undertaken in good will. This national position will not be changed," said Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry. 

In an interview with TV24 late on Monday, PM Hristijan Mickoski said that if there is political will, the negotiating framework with the European Union can be changed. He said guarantees will be needed that there will be no additional bilateral conditions from Sofia with the mediation of the European Union.

"We are ready to sit down and find a solution with the new government in Bulgaria. Let's talk about everything, about the possible risks... Statements saying "only this remains to be done and that's it" are unacceptable. Because we did a lot for European values ​​and got zero," Mickoski said in the interview with TV24. 

Photo: MIA archive