The dialogue between Skopje and Sofia aimed at finding a solution to the dispute—which is currently stalling Macedonia’s European Union accession negotiations, will continue, notwithstanding the case of Iva Mihailova.
Mihailova, who holds dual Macedonian and Bulgarian citizenship, managed to travel to Bulgaria, by means yet to be determined, despite a travel ban imposed due to ongoing legal proceedings against her in Kochani regarding a fatal traffic accident.
The dialogue with Bulgaria, initiated by the two countries’ foreign ministers in early October on the sidelines of an event in Sofia, along with Mihailova’s departure, were the primary topics on which journalists sought comment from Macedonian Foreign Minister TimchoMucunski. This took place during a joint press conference with his Slovak counterpart JurajBlanár, who is currently on an official visit to the country.
Addressing the Mihailova case, Mucunski says that Macedonia, as an EU candidate country, expects EU member states to also uphold the highest standards regarding the rule of law. However, the head of Macedonian diplomacy refrained from further comments on this issue, stating that he does not wish to become part of the political campaign for the presidential elections in Bulgaria, the second round of which is scheduled for this Sunday, November 1st.
Regarding the dialogue with Sofia concerning the dispute, The FM notes that such a dialogue exists. Beyond bilateral talks with Sofia, it involves active communication with European institutions and representatives from EU member states interested in helping to find a mutually acceptable solution.
“For any solution we are working to reach with Bulgaria, one that would, hypothetically, align with our positions and prove sustainable, we require a consensus among all member states. Therefore, a dialogue with Bulgaria exists, as does a dialogue with European institutions regarding this matter; furthermore, we will continue to engage with all EU member states on this issue, as we have no alternative to our European path. As for our domestic agenda in relation to this European path, you heard from the President of the European Commission a few weeks ago; her assessment of the reforms we are implementing was positive,” said FM Mucunski.