Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister: Our Stand on North Macedonia EU Accession Is Not Veto

It is wrong to call the Bulgarian position on the Republic of North Macedonia a 'veto', stated Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva after a meeting with the Special Representative of the Republic of North Macedonia Vladimir Buchkovski.

Zaharieva explained that Bulgaria is ready to continue the talks on unresolved issues, but also to discuss an exit that will open the way for the Republic of North Macedonia for approval of the EU accession negotiation framework.

There is no doubt that we are at a delicate stage in our relations, our Foreign Minister pointed out, adding that at the heart of the Bulgarian position lies a non-performance of the 2017 treaty.

Something that hinders both sides is the lack of development and delay of Corridor 8 project, but during the Berlin process we showed that we can work together, Zaharieva stressed.

She wants, step by step, to restore trust between the two countries. We really give you a hand to find solutions and to open the way for new relationships based on trust, Zaharieva said.

Being a member of the EU means you have to stick to bilateral treaties, be friends with members of that family. It is unacceptable to discredit family members. We are ready, the whole government, to work and overcome mistrust, Zaharieva was adamant.

According to her, trust should be built between the two countries and less talk to the media on the part of politicians. Words alone are not enough anymore, deeds are required, insisted No.1 Diplomat of Bulgaria.

The problem, in the words, is that our neighbors are trying to escape the fact that we have a common history. Therefore, the practice of using the historical commission for political purposes should be stopped, Zaharieva...