Vice President Yotova: Bulgaria Is Not Imposing New Conditions on North Macedonia

Bulgaria has made it clear that it is not setting any additional conditions for North Macedonia's European Union membership negotiations, emphasizing that the expectations stem from European agreements rather than Bulgarian demands. Vice President Iliana Yotova reiterated this stance during a meeting with Germany's Special Representative for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, on November 26. Yotova stressed that Bulgaria has been consistent in its approach, and its position is based on the European criteria for membership, particularly the protection of human rights. She underscored that Bulgaria's key expectation is for North Macedonia to uphold these criteria, which include the integration of Bulgarians in the country's constitution and the full implementation of the 2017 Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness, and Cooperation.

Yotova also pointed out the need for tangible progress in several areas, including the work of the historical commission, measures to combat anti-Bulgarian sentiment, and the prevention of hate crimes. She highlighted that the implementation of the agreements under the 2022 French proposal, which was supported by both the EU member states and North Macedonia, remains a key issue. So far, Yotova noted that there has been little progress, particularly in the area of constitutional amendments, and that several bilateral and EU projects, including the crucial infrastructure project for Corridor 8, have been stalled.

Meanwhile, at a separate meeting, acting Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov and Manuel Sarrazin discussed the EU integration process for the Western Balkans. Both emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and the principle of "own merits" in the accession process, highlighting the role of...