Brussels, 5 February 2025 (MIA) - Bulgaria’s representative in the Working Party on Enlargement and Countries Negotiating Accession to the EU conveyed that the Bulgarian side is ready for talks and sent positive signals regarding the establishment of dialogue, Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani, who is on a two-day visit to Brussels, told MIA.

“I think a good environment is being created, which we must use not only to establish dialogue that must exist between neighboring countries but also to create room that will lead us to a mutually acceptable solution and finally get us into the EU,” Murtezani said.

As part of his visit to Brussels on Tuesday and Wednesday, Murtezani met with the President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Oliver Röpke, Director General at the Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), Gert Jan Koopman, the chair of the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee and Croatian MEP, Karlo Ressler, the Managing Director for Europe at the European External Action Service (EEAS), Matti Maasikas, and MEPs Thijs Reuten and Matej Tonin, who are the EP’s shadow rapporteurs for North Macedonia. 

Murtezani said the meetings focused on the implementation of reforms, especially the ones that are a part of the reform agenda.

“I used the opportunity to also discuss our integration process. We are fully aware of the obstacles ahead of us that prevent us from opening negotiations for full-fledged EU membership and the momentum that urges a swift solution so we can complete this final section of the 20-year-long marathon,” Murtezani said.

The Minister stressed that Brussels also needs to take a step for the country to begin negotiations.

“If we are to continue successfully forward, there must be a message from Brussels that will assure us there won’t be further irrational bilateral issues blocking our negotiations, which continue to be the citizens’ biggest strategic priority,” Murtezani added. 

On Wednesday afternoon, Murtezani will have a meeting with the EU’s Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, during which they are expected to discuss the implementation of the reform agenda as well as the Western Balkans summit set to be held in Skopje in March.

“We will also discuss all necessary technical procedures that we are finishing up so we can be both formally and legally prepared for the opening of negotiations, as well as all potential ways to establish dialogue and reach a mutually acceptable solution with the help of the EU,” Murtezani said.

After his visit to Brussels, Murtezani will fly to Athens to discuss the bilateral relations and Greece’s support on the country’s path to the European path. He will be the first member of North Macedonia’s new Government to visit Greece. 

Photo: MIA Archive