site.btaMEP Andrey Kovatchev Condemns Case of Arson on Bulgarian Diplomatic Vehicles in Skopje

Bulgarian MEP Andrey Kovatchev condemned on Tuesday the recent arson attack on Bulgarian diplomatic vehicles that took place in Skopje on Monday. Addressing a debate in Strasbourg on the presentation of the European Commission's annual reports on the progress of Western Balkan countries toward EU accession, Kovatchev said that the Republic of North Macedonia is looking for "creative ways" to block its own path to EU accession.

Commenting on Albania and Montenegro's progress, the MEP said: "Albania and Montenegro have made impressive progress on the path to European integration and have proven that reforms yield results. Albania, of course, must implement these reforms and adhere to European standards, particularly in the fight against corruption, in the rule of law, environmental protection, and sustainable tourism. I call on the Albanian government to listen to the citizens, who are participating in peaceful protests against the ruling authorities, and not only them."

Commenting on North Macedonia's progress, Kovatchev said: "I am very saddened that North Macedonia is holding itself back and falling seriously behind by seeking creative ways to avoid fulfilling its commitments. It is unacceptable to shift the blame for the lack of progress onto Bulgaria. This policy fuels a rhetoric of hatred, intolerance, and discrimination against Bulgarians, which is incompatible with European values. Yesterday's [Monday's] arson attack on cars at the Bulgarian Embassy in Skopje is yet another tragic act resulting from the hatred sown by politicians, the media, and networks of influence from other countries."

At the end of his remarks, Kovatchev also addressed Thomas Weitz, the European Parliament's rapporteur on the Republic of North Macedonia, stating that he was surprised by the rapporteur's attempt to remove some of the requirements for North Macedonia within the negotiation framework. "We both want to support and encourage North Macedonia, but encouraging them not to fulfil their commitments is not helpful," Kovatchev said.