KOS-Zeljazkov: European integration brings stability and security in the Western Balkans region

The European integration of the Western Balkans and the importance of EU enlargement was the focus of Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zeljazkov’s meeting with EU Enlargement Commissioner Martha Kos, who met with the highest Bulgarian political officials in Sofia, and participated in the EU forum.

Zeljazkov, after meeting with KOS, said that Bulgaria always with particular attention and high degree of responsibility began to efforts for full and full integration of the Western Balkan countries into the EU. He emphasized that the Bulgarian position is clear and consistent and that Sofia supports the European path of every Western Balkan country, according to the principles of individual approach and progress made.

« We will continue to support that process, because we consider it part of our strategic vision of a stable, prosperous and united European continent, » Zeljazkov said after meeting with the European Commissioner, adding that « history, culture and Georgafish vicinity with the countries of the region and not only the European Union, an agent. « 

According to him, without the integration of this region, the European project simply cannot be completed.

-The European future of the Western Balkans is a guarantee of prosperity and peace, but also a kind of prevention of the influence of forces aimed at unity and instability -both in the region and in Europe as a whole. In addition, the integration of the countries of the Western Balkans region is a strategic choice related to the security, stability and competitiveness of the whole continent – said Zeljazkov.

The prime minister expressed confidence that the commitment to reforms must be mutual – both by candidates and the European Union, adding that predictability, sincerity, clarity and dialogue are needed.

According to him, today, when Europe faces new challenges, military conflicts, hybrid threats, migration pressure and energy uncertainty, the integration of the Western Balkans is of particular importance to Bulgaria and the Bulgarian government.

EU Commissioner Martha Kos thanked Bulgaria for enlargement support, stressing that enlargement is one of the most important priorities of the current European Commission.

-Finishing your neighbors in the European Union will bring many benefits to businesses in Bulgaria. It will encourage trade, improve investment opportunities and improve access to Central Europe – KOS said, adding that European integration will lead to stability and security in the region.

Earlier, Kos also met with Bulgarian state head Rumen Radev, who said that in order to be sustainable and irreversible, the EU enlargement process must be built on the true implementation of the Copenhagen criteria for membership.

The Macedonian Deputy Foreign Minister also participated in the EU Forum « EU Foreign trade Zoran Dimitrovski, who emphasized that Macedonia is a champion in Europe according to the protection of ethnic rights and that the constitutional changes to bring the Bulgarians into the Constitution do not pose a problem for themselves.

-What causes care is the whole package with the negotiating framework including the protocols. If Macedonia’s integration into the EU depends on the results of the work of the Joint Macedonian-Bulgarian Commission on Educational and Historical Affairs, then it can be very delayed. Such interstate historical committees after World War II, such as between Germany and France or Germany and Poland, can work for decades as they work. It is necessary for bilateral identity and historical issues to be out of the negotiation process – said Dimitrovski.

The forum was also spoken by Bulgarian Vice President Iliana Fotova, who said that « Bulgaria does not impose additional conditions on the process and negotiations of the Republic of Macedonia on its path to Europe ». She noted that bilateral relations between the two countries are not a problem for Macedonia’s non -resignation of Macedonia’s negotiations with the EU, pointing out that it is « a thesis of politicians from the Republic of Macedonia, as well as some European politicians and experts ».

EU Commissioner Kos, this week in an interview with European News Editorial Office (ENR) part of MIA, said that the EC is working to help Northern Macedonia start cluster negotiations and that it is personally engaged in a bilateral issue with Bulgaria, so she will travel to Sofia « at meetings with Bulgarian politicians, and then contact politicians. »