16.12.2024
Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev reaffirmed Bulgaria’s position on the accession of the Republic of North Macedonia to the European Union. That issue was the focus of the telephone discussion between Prime Minister Glavchev and President of the European Council António Costa. They talked about the preparation for the regular meeting of the European Council on 19 December – the first meeting that Mr. Costa will chair.
“Non-European conduct cannot bring European results,” the Prime Minister emphasized. He said that Bulgaria supports the European integration of the Republic of North Macedonia subject to the condition that the agreements under the Treaty of Good Neighborliness’, Friendship and Cooperation of 2017 between the two countries are respected and the key reforms regarding human rights, rule of law and good neighborly relations are implemented.
Dimitar Glavchev said firmly that there exists full unanimity within the Bulgarian society on that point and that a Bulgarian Prime Minister, be he the head of a caretaker government or a regularly elected government, would support a position that is different from the National Assembly’s officially approved position. Further, Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev stated that Bulgaria remains committed to the European future for the region; however, it is necessary to settle differences through constructive dialog and mutual respect.
Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev congratulated António Costa on his assumption of office as President of the European Council. Mr. Glavchev wished him success in the effort to have a strong and united European Union. For his part, António Costa congratulated Bulgaria’s Prime Minister on the country’s full accession to the Schengen area. Mr. Glavchev thanked all member states and the European institutions for the support. The Prime Minister reiterated that Bulgaria’s accession to the Eurozone soon continues to be an important political priority for the country.
The situation in Ukraine will be at the forefront of the leaders’ discussions in Brussels. The member states will continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary. The meeting will be an opportunity for leaders to send an agreed and unambiguous message of support for Ukraine for all-inclusive, just and lasting peace.
EU enlargement, migration, the situation in the Middle East and EU-US relations will be other focuses at the meeting of Heads of State and Government in the capital of Belgium.
