"I am skeptical about the actions of some politicians, including the leader of "Vazrazhdane" Kostadin Kostadinov, who announced that he will send letters to the heads of state in the EU in order to block Bulgaria's membership (in the eurozone)", said the MEP from "Ima takvi narod" (ITN) Ivaylo Valchev to NOVA.
According to him, such moves have a political rather than a real effect, and he expressed serious doubts that they will achieve a result. Valchev pointed out that the convergence reports, although not without criticism, represent a first step in a long process that requires approval by the member states and the European Parliament.
The MEP also commented on the position of President Rumen Radev, who has also expressed skepticism about Bulgaria's readiness for the euro. "His intervention succeeds in increasing people's concerns rather than bringing reassurance", said Valchev, emphasizing that such statements do not lead to national unification, but on the contrary - they strengthen social division.
Valchev also touched on the topic of the postponed progress report on North Macedonia, which was temporarily withdrawn by its author - MEP Thomas Weitz, following a common position of all 17 Bulgarian MEPs. They expressed suspicions of unregulated connections between Weitz and the Macedonian authorities, as well as external pressure on the content of the document.
"If this report is adopted in its current form, it will open the door to hell for the Balkans", warned Valchev. He pointed out that the document included topics outside the parliamentary mandate, such as retroactive recognition of identities and language, which raises serious concerns.
According to him, Bulgaria must clearly state its position and use all diplomatic and public channels to protect the national interest. Valchev recalled that although "There is such a people" had reservations about the French proposal in 2022, today the party is acting in defense of the official Bulgarian position.
"We are not defending party interests, but the national interest of Bulgaria", the MEP was categorical.