site.btaBulgarian MEP Novakov, Greek MEP Kefalogiannis Comment on Statements by Newly-Formed Government of North Macedonia

Bulgarian MEP Andrey Novakov (EPP/GERB) and Greek MEP Manolis Kefalogiannis (EPP/Nea Demokratia) made a declaration, commenting on statements of the newly-formed government of the Republic of North Macedonia, according to a press release of the EPP office in Brussels, sent to BTA.

The position quotes the words of Hristijan Mickoski, PM of the Republic of North Macedonia, according to whom, unanimity in EU decision-making can be circumvented as "only in the last months two or three decisions have been taken without unanimity".

The MEPs' position reads that the principle of unanimity in enlargement policy is enshrined in the EU Treaty and in the negotiating frameworks of all previous and current enlargements. Without the clear support of the Republic of Greece, the Republic of Bulgaria and all Member States, enlargement is impossible. Recent statements by the government of North Macedonia violate international law, favour the malign interests of third countries to undermine human rights institutions and lead to destabilisation in the Balkans and divisiveness among NATO allies, the declaration further reads.

The text notes that Bulgaria and Greece expect their Western Balkans partners to respect international law, agreements and treaties, to promote good neighbourly relations and to show progress on the reform agenda with an emphasis on the rule of law, democracy and human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to national communities. All these are indispensable preconditions in the enlargement process, the two MEPs stressed.

The positions of Bulgaria and Greece are clearly defined by decisions of their national parliaments. Such positions express the will of the citizens of both countries regarding the process of their neighbouring country to fulfil the EU membership criteria, provided that the neighbouring country starts to respect EU human rights standards and fulfils in good faith the international commitments it has made, Novakov and Kefalogiannis explained.

Refraining from unilateral actions and divisive rhetoric, accurately embracing the European legal developments, recognising the supremacy of international law and fully implementing international agreements are essential for ensuring stability, security and prosperity in the region, and the candidate countries’ integration into the European family. Deviations from basic principles are unacceptable, the two MEPs further said.