Kriva Palanka, 20 June 2025 (MIA) - European Union Ambassador Michalis Rokas failed to comment on the prospects for adoption of the country report of European Parliament Rapporteur Thomas Waitz by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) on June 24, saying the EP is an independent institution operating by its own rules.

"The European Parliament is an independent EU institution, so their Rules of Procedures and debates are subject to their own rules. I cannot give any comment or any prediction," Ambassador Rokas told reporters.

MEP Waitz postponed the AFET vote, originally scheduled for June 4, saying everyone has witnessed intensive political debates around the report, but stressed he absolutely stands behind the document, noting that all EP groups have been involved in the negotiations and compromises.

“This is a report of the European Parliament and the European Union to the state of accession when it comes to the country of North Macedonia. This report is not intending or is not there to solve bilateral issues between Bulgaria and North Macedonia, still we know that also bilateral relations but also the rule of law, treatment of minorities, communities and so on, is a European issue. However, I would like to ask for a postponement of the vote for this report to June 24,” said Waitz at the time.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said yesterday there are reports of strong political pressure coming from Bulgarian Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and the Bulgarian executive saying that if the document is adopted, it could radicalize pro-Russian structures against Bulgaria's incumbent pro-European government.

"I would be the happiest man alive if the report is adopted by AFET and then forwarded for an EP session. I have been receiving reports these days on fierce political pressure by Bulgarian MEPs and the Bulgarian executive saying that if the document is adopted, it could radicalize pro-Russian structures against Bulgaria's incumbent pro-European government. This gives you an insight into the state that an EU member is in, blocking the Euro-integration process that the opposition is blindly signing off. Nevertheless, we will continue to fight and part of the AFET members and MEPs are giving enormous support," said Mickoski.

The PM added that the real Bulgarian strategy has come to surface at last.

"For us it is enough to see the real reason and strategy coming to surface from our eastern neighbor at last - creating a present Macedonian nation, with a present Macedonian identity, speaking a present mother tongue with Bulgarian roots," said Mickoski.

MIA file photo