Serbia must respect its national and European legislation, including the rights of Bulgarians in Serbia. Bulgaria is raising the issue in the European Council and other formats.
We do not want this to lead to a trend which is deepening. The region needs stability.
This is what Maria Gabriel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria and Deputy Prime Minister, told BGNES. We talk to her about the aggressive actions of the authorities in Belgrade in recent months - accusing Bulgaria of espionage, confiscating books, not allowing Bulgarians into Serbia, including former diplomats.
"It is important for us that they first respect their national legislation, and it is very clear regarding the rights of Bulgarians in Serbia. As well as to respect the European legislation, especially for a country that wants to become a member state. In each of the cases where the competence was with the foreign ministry, we have reacted. In the last case, an ambassador was summoned. We are waiting for information, the fact that we are not getting it, and I have already shared this, is that we do not want this to lead to a worrying trend that will deepen," Gabriel stressed.
She said that within the European Council and various EU formats Bulgaria raises the issue and added that the different cases should be separated. "When it comes to the rights of Bulgarians in Serbia and other countries in the region, we raise these issues constantly, regularly and in every format that allows it. It is important for us because they are part of the fundamental principles of the European Union and Bulgaria has a very strong position in this case. We are not addressing a problem that concerns our relations with a particular country in the Western Balkans. We are a member of the EU and, as such, because we know the region in detail, we are well placed to defend the interests of the entire bloc. That is the guiding line for me as Foreign Minister - to make it very clear that Bulgaria is a member of the EU, defending and raising issues. With every country in the region, we raise issues that are important for the whole Union and we defend the interests of the whole EU," said Maria Gabriel.
"I don't think we should mix the cases. We have a very clear line, Bulgaria supports the Western Balkans and all countries, including Serbia", she added, noting that Sofia wants to have good relations with Serbia and other countries in the region.
"I think we should do this because this entire region - Western Balkans, South-Eastern Europe, is a region that needs stability, has potential for development and only through good relations can we achieve it. This, of course, involves defending everyone's positions, but with very clear arguments. I think that I have been very clear in each of the cases where it has been up to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially when it comes to protecting the rights of our compatriots we have reacted in a timely manner and within the competence of the Ministry," the Foreign Minister said. /BGNES
