The meeting of the Security Council in Bulgaria convened by President Rumen Radev has ended. At the press conference, Radev said that Skopje’s European integration has stalled, but in order for this process to be unblocked, Macedonia must meet certain criteria. He said the process should not be conditioned by deadlines, but by fulfilling the obligations arising from the Good Neighbor Agreement.

Radev, however, said that in some areas progress is possible, which would help restore confidence and find a final solution. Radev said Sofia agrees that Tirana should start negotiations with the European Union, despite developments in North Macedonia.

“Of particular importance are the projects that provide infrastructure, transport, energy and digital connections, with special emphasis on Corridor 8. This would help avoid a stalemate between the two countries, and would stimulate the negotiation process. “Resolving open political issues will improve progress in all these areas,” Radev said.

At the meeting of the Council, as stated by Radev, recommendations were given such as:

In setting its domestic policy, the Council of Ministers should take into account Bulgaria’s national position, respecting the requirements of the 2017 Agreement, the 2019 Framework and the 44th Declaration of the National Assembly.
Giving consent for the start of North Macedonia’s accession negotiations to the EU should not be linked to deadlines, but to real results, especially in relation to the Bulgarians in Macedonia.
The executive power to continue to engage in the announcement of the implementation of the Agreement from 2017 in the negotiation process for the membership of North Macedonia in the EU.
The executive should prepare and provide an action plan for measures to achieve tangible progress in all areas in bilateral relations.
The executive power proposes to RMV partners the formation of working groups in the fields in accordance with the 2017 Agreement.
Executive powers to take steps to speed up construction of Corridor 8 together with North Macedonia and Albania – as the only project for highways, railways, energy and digital connections.
The National Assembly should propose to the legislature of North Macedonia the establishment of a structured dialogue between friendship groups and parliamentary committees, which would strengthen trust and support the inclusive process.

/Klara Ruci/