NEWS

Iliana Iotova holds a session with the President of our western neighbour Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova

 

Bulgaria expects the Republic of North Macedonia to meet the European criteria for membership in the European Union. This was stated by Head of State Iliana Iotova at a meeting with the President of the Republic of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. The two held talks on the sidelines of the Summit of the South-East European Cooperation Process, hosted by President Iotova.

 

The head of state emphasised that the Republic of North Macedonia must fulfil the 2022 French proposal, which she herself signed and which became the common European position on the Republic of North Macedonia’s accession to the EU. Iliana Iotova stressed that these are European criteria for membership, not Bulgarian requirements. To begin negotiations, Skopje must fulfil its commitments by including Bulgarians in its Constitution. President Iotova insisted that the rights of Macedonian Bulgarians be respected and that hate speech in North Macedonia be put to an end.

 

During the conversation, which was also attended by Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivanka Tasheva and Republic of North Macedonia's Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski, the head of state raised the issue of the need for medical treatment for 23-year-old Iva Mihaylova, who was injured in an accident. Her identity documents have been confiscated due to the ongoing investigation into the accident, and she is not permitted to leave Kochani, but she requires medical treatment in Bulgaria.

At the meeting, members of the European audit institution briefed the head of state on the key points of the 12 opinions on the proposed EU budget as a whole, as well as on the sectoral policies contained therein.

The successes of the athletes and their coaches prove that there is no barrier to human potential when there is perseverance, ambition and support, the president says

The active participation of the Bulgarian defence industry will strengthen the capabilities of the EU and NATO, said Iliana Iotova at a meeting with the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich

Statement by Head of State Iliana Iotova