Austrian MEP Thomas Weitz has once again inflamed tensions between North Macedonia and Bulgaria after announcing that bilateral issues should not be part of the European negotiating framework. This calls into question the status of the so-called second protocol between Bulgaria and North Macedonia. The second protocol is an additional document to the 2017 Good Neighborhood Agreement, signed in 2022, which specifies the commitments between the two countries. It includes measures related to guaranteeing the rights of Bulgarians in North Macedonia, limiting hate speech and implementing agreements in the field of history and education. This protocol is part of the European negotiating framework and is binding. And what else follows from this… Dimche Yamandiyev, a representative of the United Bulgarians Movement, spoke to FACTI.
– Mr. Yamandiyev, what are we continuing to play with North Macedonia when it comes to the negotiation process for our neighbors' accession to the EU?
– Thomas Weitz's statement is not an isolated opinion, but part of a broader line of weakening the conditions in the EU enlargement process. He is trying to present a mandatory element of the negotiations as secondary, which is incorrect.
– What follows from such a position?
– If such a line is adopted, it will lead to the invalidation of the agreed commitments and to formal implementation without real results.
– Why?
– Because we must oppose any attempt to remove or circumvent already agreed conditions. We will signal the European institutions and insist that these commitments be respected in their entirety.
– Weitz's words are also being monitored in Bulgaria. What should be done by the Bulgarian state?
– The lack of reaction at the moment is a serious problem. Silence in such situations does not work in Bulgaria's favor. It is perceived as consent and creates conditions for pressure.
– What should be done?
– A clear and adequate position is needed on the part of the Bulgarian state. What has been agreed must be defended consistently and without hesitation. Bulgaria cannot afford passivity towards North Macedonia. We will insist and act to prevent the invalidation of the agreed commitments. And the threat of this happening is great.
– In this context, can we speak of an attempt to circumvent already adopted rules?
– Yes, this is precisely such an attempt. When already agreed and accepted commitments are questioned, it means that a way is being sought to circumvent them. This undermines trust in the process itself and creates uncertainty.
– How does this affect the Bulgarian community in North Macedonia?
– It is directly reflected. When there is no mechanism for control and implementation, rights remain only on paper. This means that the problems will not be solved, but will continue.
– What will be the consequences if the protocols are removed?
– Removing the protocols will lead to a lack of possibility for an effective mechanism for influence. This means that the language of hate will continue, the falsification of history will continue, and the rights of the Bulgarian community will remain without real protection.
– Is it possible for this to become a trend?
– If there is no reaction – yes. In European politics, every weakness is used. If it is allowed once, it will be repeated in other cases. We will signal the European institutions and insist that these commitments be maintained. We will fight to prevent this from happening.
– How do you view the attitude of the Bulgarian institutions?
– They should not be silent. Silence at this moment does not work for Bulgaria, but is perceived as consent. A clear and adequate position is needed. And society must monitor these processes and not underestimate the topic. This is a matter of national interest, which may have long-term consequences.