“I think there is complete unity both in the government and across Bulgaria’s entire political class on this matter,” Petrova said.
Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova sent a clear message to the Republic of North Macedonia that Bulgaria will not step back from what was agreed in 2022 and that Skopje’s path to the European Union goes through the fulfilment of its commitments.
“This is not about bilateral issues, but about relations between a candidate country and the European Union,” Petrova told BNT.
She stressed that Bulgaria’s tone remains “extremely positive”, but admitted that she often does not see the same political conduct from Skopje.
“I hope to find the political maturity on the other side to try to approach the matter in this way. I often do not see it,” the foreign minister said.
Petrova was categorical that Sofia’s position remains unchanged and is the same one agreed under the so-called French proposal in 2022.
“This is the European position. And this was the main achievement in June and July 2022,” she stressed.
The minister recalled that she had personally taken part in the negotiations on the framework and knows in detail what was agreed with Skopje.
“It is sad that I return to government four years later and there has been no progress on this issue,” she said.
According to Petrova, the authorities in North Macedonia should take advantage of the current “open window” for EU enlargement instead of escalating tensions with Sofia.
“I hope Skopje will find an approach that focuses attention on fulfilling its commitments, not on seeking conflict with Sofia,” the foreign minister said.
She was also categorical that there is full political unity in Bulgaria on the issue.
“I think there is complete unity both in the government and across Bulgaria’s entire political class on this matter,” Petrova said.
Her remarks come amid renewed tensions between Sofia and Skopje after North Macedonia again stated that it would not accept the inclusion of Bulgarians in the constitution without internal political consensus. | BGNES