President Rumen Radev hinted that Bulgaria might reassess backing for Serbia’s EU membership due to the way it treated the Bulgarian minority, Euractiv reported.
The main criterion by which we will judge and give support to the progress of the Western Balkan countries is precisely the situation of our compatriots in each country – their conditions for economic and social development and, above all, their ability to defend their national identity, language, culture and historical memory.
Three years ago, Bulgaria vetoed North Macedonia’s EU accession process, accusing the government of inciting hatred against Bulgarians. Thus, the inclusion of the Bulgarian minority in North Macedonia’s constitution remains the only formal obstacle to the start of EU membership negotiations. However, there is no consensus on the measure in the country
Radev’s term as president ends in 2027. He could then become a major player in the country’s parliament, political analysts predict.
“I will continue to be personally committed, as well as Vice President Iliana Yotova, for the Bulgarian institutions to work actively for a consolidated and clear national Bulgarian position and policy to support all our compatriots abroad. I will continue to work actively with the Serbian state leadership to solve the problems of our compatriots in the western suburbs.”
Rumen Radev also noted that Bulgaria was a key driving force behind the EU accession of the Western Balkan countries.
12 out of 17 Bulgarian MEPs from all political groups warned the EU institutions in an open letter about the “violation of rights and incitement of hatred towards the Bulgarian minority in Serbia” in December.
The letter was addressed to the European Parliament, the European Commission, the European Council, the Council of Europe, and ambassadors just before the EU-Western Balkans meeting.
Serbia should not be judged only by its words, but only by the actions it takes, which should be in line with European values and human rights, including those in defence of minorities.
