Bulgaria will not back down from its principled position for EU integration of the Western Balkans and is respecting its commitments, but it also insists that the Republic of North Macedonia respects the agreements reached. This was stated in parliament by Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev, BNR reporter Maria Fileva informed.

"We strictly adhere to the consensus reached in 2022 and we will not back down from it. We realize the importance of the enlargement of the European Union and the European integration of the Western Balkan countries but we also confirm the principle of own merits. EU Membership is not something taken for granted. It is based on specific criteria and conditions that each candidate country must meet," Georgiev said.

One of Bulgaria's demands is the inclusion of Bulgarians in the country's constitution and guaranteeing their rights.

• Report on North Macedonia’s EU progress postponed

• Parliament urges Skopje to respect commitments regarding the rights of Bulgarians

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Publication in English: Al. Markov

Photo: BTA