site.btaNorth Macedonia's EU Accession Should Be Addressed within Framework of EU Institutions, Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Says

The accession process of the Republic of North Macedonia to the European Union is a matter that should be addressed within the framework of European institutions, in accordance with established rules and procedures, Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova said in a position sent to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) on Friday, in response to an inquiry about an interview by North Macedonia Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski to state news agency MIA.

The statement further notes that Bulgaria supports the European Commission's work with each of the countries negotiating for membership, while assessing the results achieved within the framework of the European Council. Good-neighborly relations are an essential part of the EU accession process and a necessary condition for progress toward Union membership. They are also a fundamental prerequisite for building trust, the statement reads.

"Bulgaria has always been, and remains, open to constructive dialogue with the Republic of North Macedonia. We observe that a number of candidate countries are making significant progress in fulfilling their commitments, even amidst a complex security environment. We expect the Republic of North Macedonia to likewise fulfill its commitments and initiate the necessary changes in order to advance on its European path," the Foreign Ministry said. 

In his interview, Mutsunski stated that the Republic of North Macedonia wishes to move forward on the path to the European Union and secure the opportunity to begin negotiations, but is not prepared to accept a compromise at any cost. "That is why it is important for us that the EU also participates in any future discussions we hold with Bulgaria. Whether this involves the participation of individual member states or EU institutions, it is crucial to have at least one other party involved in the process, which would help us begin to build trust. For, as Prime Minister [Hristijan Mickoski] has repeatedly emphasized, there is currently a fundamental lack of trust between us and Bulgaria," Mutsunski said.