In Europe, there is somehow a thesis that Bulgaria and North Macedonia will come to an understanding so that Macedonians can have a path to the EU. This is strange to say the least, because no Bulgarian representative has stated such a position. Our position is that the two countries do not have major bilateral problems. If up to 3 years ago there were such problems in Bulgaria, then we managed to activate our diplomacy. And so, after a deep discussion and taking the positions of both countries, European diplomacy and the leadership of the European Union stood behind the Bulgarian position, which became European. From that moment on, Skopje now has a problem not with Bulgaria, but with the whole of Europe. This was announced to Lili Marinkova in the studio “FACT“ and the show “Conversation“ by Assoc. Prof. Spas Tashev, a specialist in migration and Bulgarians abroad.
„I recently observed the statement of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, who took a position on this issue. He stated that the activity of the Historical Commission regarding historical disputes will create new bilateral relations in view of European integration. The use of the future tense – „will“, makes me think that Skopje does not even really realize what it is doing. All the obstacles that Skopje creates are unclear why. For example, if the meetings of the Historical Commission themselves were made public and broadcast live so that everyone interested could follow them, it would be clear who is advocating what position. On the other hand, then Skopje will have a much harder time manipulating public opinion, at least for the time being. This attempt to create obstacles on the part of Skopje continues to make me think that Macedonians do not really want membership in the European Union. Rather, we have two options there - membership in the European Union without reforms, without problems, or if these reforms/problems are mandatory, it is better for the country not to become a member of the European Union. Apparently, Skopje's goal is to maintain its status in domestic politics and not give Bulgarians rights at the moment," the guest added.
See more of the conversation in the VIDEO.