Minister Svetlan Stoev: Bulgaria remains a staunch supporter of the EU enlargement process with the countries of the Western Balkans
15 November 2021 News
"Bulgaria remains a staunch supporter of the EU enlargement process with the countries of the Western Balkans." Bulgaria supports the priorities of the Greek Presidency of the SEECP. We are convinced that they are an adequate response to the challenges we face in South East Europe. The development of infrastructure and the establishment of transport links with the countries participating in the Process are an important factor for economic development, social and regional cohesion", the first Bulgarian diplomat said, recalling the importance of what has been achieved so far within the Berlin Process for the Western Balkans. He attached key importance to good neighbourly relations as a fundamental principle both in the regional cooperation and in the EU accession process.
Bulgaria is the initiator of the establishment of the Cooperation Process in Southeast Europe as a leading political format for dialogue in the region. The initiative was launched at the Sofia Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the countries of Southeast Europe (July 6-7, 1996), which adopted the Sofia Declaration on Good Neighbourly Relations, Stability, Security and Cooperation in the Balkans.
Prior to the working meeting within the SEECP, Minister Stoev had a bilateral conversation with his counterpart from the Republic of Northern Macedonia, Bujar Osmani. The Bulgarian side confirmed its principled support for the process of European integration of the Republic of Northern Macedonia. At the same time, the need to achieve convincing results to ensure Skopje's commitment to fundamental European values such as good neighbourly relations and human rights, including the provision of constitutional guarantees for the rights of Bulgarians in the Republic of Northern Macedonia, was emphasized. We expect real progress in this direction, which will allow Bulgaria to agree to start accession negotiations with the Republic of Northern Macedonia.