In Sofia, Germany’s Scholz pushes N Macedonia’s EU prospects – The Sofia Globe & More News Here

Speaking on June 11 after talks in Sofia with Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed sturdy assist for a deal that will see the beginning of EU accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania.

Scholz, who arrived within the Bulgarian capital metropolis after a go to earlier within the day to Skopje throughout a fast tour of Balkan international locations, mentioned the warfare in Ukraine and the discount of power dependence on Russia with Petkov.

Progress on EU accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania is a precedence for the German chancellor, with Scholz hoping for progress earlier than the shut of the French Presidency of the Council of the EU on the finish of June 2022.

Bulgaria has been standing in the way in which of the opening of accession talks with North Macedonia, till its said circumstances are met, whereas the problem is a vexed one inside Bulgaria ruling majority, to the extent of being cited this week by the ITN occasion as one in every of its pretexts for leaving that coalition. Critics of Petkov repeatedly have claimed that he’s plotting to elevate Bulgaria’s veto on North Macedonia’s EU membership talks, a declare that he has equally repeatedly denied.

Scholz informed a information convention after his talks with Petkov: “Germany understands that it isn’t straightforward to beat historic variations between neighbouring international locations, however our expertise reveals that it’s enriching for all with regards to overcoming distrust and constructing pleasant relations with neighbours.

“I therefore strongly support an agreement to start negotiations. I believe that there is a chance for progress,” Scholz stated.

“We will continue the discussion and exchange between us until the end of the French [EU] Presidency and I hope we will make progress. I am convinced that together we Europeans, we are responsible for the EU and for the stability of the Balkans, and it is important that we use the enlargement process now for the benefit of Europe,” he stated.

Scholz stated that it was 20 years for the reason that Thessaloniki Agenda, which embraced the European integration of the international locations of the Western Balkans.

“We thought that this process would be resolved within 10 years, but they are long gone. Our task is to make progress,” he stated.

Petkov stated that Bulgaria and Germany at all times had regarded to the EU accession of the Western Balkans.

He stated that the Bulgarian authorities had clearly said its place on the circumstances that have to be met to ensure that the European integration of North Macedonia to proceed.

These circumstances included the popularity of a Bulgarian minority in North Macedonia’s structure, in order that their rights could possibly be protected.

Another precedence for Bulgaria’s authorities is to see the good-neighbourliness settlement applied, with an finish to hate speech towards Bulgaria and an finish to disputes over shared historical past.

“Bulgaria has three main priorities, about which the EU must be part of the guarantees, so that we can move forward – through the European process, to ensure the inclusion of Bulgarians in the constitution of North Macedonia,” Petkov stated.

“At the same time, we have a framework position and a good-neighbourliness agreement. So each decision must include these three priorities,” he stated.

“The EU can provide potential opportunities to have European guarantees that this will happen, so we continue to work as a government within the existing framework position and good-neighbourliness agreement,” Petkov stated.

Scholz, assembly North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Dimitar Kovačevski in Skopje earlier on June 11, informed Kovačevski that the nation was prepared to start out EU membership talks.

Kovačevski stated that Skopje wished bilateral disputes settled, however expressed doubts as as to if Sofia is prepared for a similar.

“One of the preconditions for successful negotiations is that the countries that are negotiating have confidence in the process. We are the country that wants a solution. Also, the Republic of Bulgaria must be prepared to do so. There is a big difference between us and the Republic of Bulgaria,” Kovačevski stated, in accordance with a report by Bulgarian National Radio.

According to Kovačevski, the subject had turn into the topic of home political battle in Bulgaria and no predictions could possibly be made.

(Photos: authorities.bg)

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