Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova said in an interview with Sitel TV interview that she believes the issue surrounding the country’s European accession and the conditions related to Bulgaria cannot be classified exclusively as a bilateral matter, nor solely as a problem between the country and the European Union.
In the interview, Siljanovska-Davkova spoke about her recent meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the possibility of the EU mediating in talks with Bulgaria.
Regarding messages from Brussels about continuing talks with Sofia, Siljanovska-Davkova noted that the question had previously been raised as to whether the dispute is bilateral or part of relations with the EU.
“When we said that the issue is bilateral in nature, because neither in the Action Plan nor previously were there any objections from other member states, no one was threatening a veto, on the contrary, the need for a merit-based system in evaluation was highlighted. Bulgaria said that the issue is not bilateral, but that we are dealing with the European Union. I have said many times that if that is the case, then let us negotiate with the European Union,” Siljanovska-Davkova said.
According to the President, in such situations mechanisms exist under European law, including Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, which makes it possible to suspend certain rights of a member state if a serious violation of the Union’s principles and values is determined.
However, the President stressed that dialogue and an exchange of views are necessary, but that the problem or process cannot be classified exclusively either as bilateral or as a problem the country has with the European Union.
Regarding the positions of European representatives on the accepted commitments, Siljanovska-Davkova referenced European constitutional law and the fundamental EU documents.
“I am not only President, but also a professor. I know European constitutional law well. And what Ms. Iotova, the Vice President of Bulgaria, has been referencing these days when she says we must respect the principles and values of the European Union, are precisely the matters I am calling for as well. It is written very clearly in the EU Treaty, the Lisbon Treaty, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights that the EU will respect the national and cultural identity not only of EU members, but of all nations and states,” Siljanovska-Davkova said.
The Macedonian head of state added that European documents also include respect for the constitutional and political structures of countries.