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European Union

Bulgaria Reiterates Commitment to EU Enlargement of North Macedonia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Bulgaria reaffirmed its commitment to the European Union (EU) accession process of the Republic of North Macedonia, with Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stating that the country will not turn the process into a bilateral issue. Zhelyazkov spoke to European Council President Antonio Costa ahead of the EU heads of state or government meeting, where the topic of EU enlargement with Western Balkan states was discussed. He emphasized that Bulgaria's position is in line with the 2022 compromise, which requires changes to North Macedonia's constitution and the inclusion of the Bulgarian community, as a condition for the negotiation process to start.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bulgaria will not turn the EU accession process of North Macedonia into a bilateral issue, as stated by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov.
  • The 2022 compromise, also known as the French proposal, is a key condition for the negotiation process to start, requiring changes to North Macedonia's constitution and the inclusion of the Bulgarian community.
  • Bulgaria views the EU accession process as a member state and the European Council, rather than a bilateral issue.
  • The implementation of the 2022 compromise is crucial, and Bulgaria will not set any conditions other than its implementation, according to Zhelyazkov.
  • The European Council will adhere strictly to the 2022 compromise, as assured by President Costa.
  • The issue of identity and language in the narrative of the European Parliament's draft declaration is seen as a distraction from the main issue of constitutional changes and human rights protection.

Statistics:

  • The 2022 compromise is a key condition for the EU accession negotiation process to start between Bulgaria and North Macedonia.
  • The compromise requires changes to North Macedonia's constitution and the inclusion of the Bulgarian community.
  • The implementation of the 2022 compromise is crucial, with Bulgaria reiterating its commitment to this process.
  • German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed support for Bulgaria's stance on this issue in a separate statement. (Source: Reuters)

Sources:

  • Reuters: "Bulgaria's PM says country will not turn EU accession process of North Macedonia into a bilateral issue"

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