The Republic of North Macedonia must fulfil the commitment to change the Constitution. We expect reforms from Serbia in the field of law.
This was stated by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in resignation, Maria Gabriel, BGNES reported.
Gabriel addressed the participants in the "EU meets the Balkans" forum, organized by the European Liberal Forum, the ALDE party and the Atlantic Club in Bulgaria.
The Republic of North Macedonia should fulfil its commitments
"We expect from Serbia reforms in the law, including on the issues of human and minority rights," emphasized Gabriel and called for adherence to the common European policy on the part of Belgrade.
She insisted that Kosovo cannot be left behind: "A united EU response to Pristina's application for membership will deliver results."
Gabriel noted that transport and digital connectivity are the conditions for more opportunities and a priority for the region.
Regarding North Macedonia, she recalled that Skopje must fulfil its obligations for the continuation of European integration - constitutional changes and registration of the Bulgarians.
"Bulgaria will continue to work for the Western Balkans to become part of the EU," said Gabriel.
Later today, the outgoing foreign minister will present a draft Foreign Policy Strategy of Bulgaria.
"The Western Balkans, good neighbourliness and connectivity will be greatly affected in it," explained Gabriel.
Without progress, there is no EU
She emphasized that the countries of the Western Balkans have friends at this forum who want the topic of their European integration to be on the agenda of Europe, regardless of the dynamic and very complex situation around us. "We want the processes to be speeded up to benefit our citizens, for all of us as the EU," Gabriel said.
According to her, more than ever we need to be united in the face of common threats to security and European values. "European integration in the EU, in the European common space of the rule of law, the common market of people, goods and capital, is the only viable path for the development of the Balkans," emphasized Gabriel.
She pointed out that the complex geopolitical situation dominated by "Russian aggression in Ukraine" presents many challenges to all of us, putting European security at risk. In this situation, the EU increased its support in the enlargement process.
"Integration and solidarity are the most correct response to the threats to peace and the EU," Gabriel stated, but at the same time stressed that geopolitical arguments alone are not enough for a country from the Western Balkans to successfully integrate into the EU.
"In order to maintain confidence in the enlargement process and the vitality of the European Union itself, we must adhere to the principle of meritocracy that underpins the enlargement process and policy," Gabrielle is emphatic.
A good tone should be maintained
Kalin Stoyanov and I worked extremely well on the subject of "Schengen". The good tone between GERB-UDFand "We Continue the Change = Democratic Bulgaria"(WCC-DB) must be preserved, Gabriel said.
She pointed out that what was done by the Minister of Power Stoyanov was clearly also at the level of the European Union. "You have seen the result of this work, which the EU values," Gabriel said.
The Minister of the Interior will remain in office in the office with Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev.
Gabriel called for keeping a good tone between GERB-UDF and WCC-DB so that the possibility of talks in the future is not excluded. "Everyone must approach this situation responsibly and not make dialogue impossible," she stated.
Maria Gabriel hopes that her successor as foreign minister will continue "Bulgaria's unified foreign policy with main priorities being Schengen, the Eurozone and joining the OECD".
Gabriel did not want to give a preliminary assessment of the "Glavchev" design office.
"We must remain committed to Schengen, the abolition of land borders remains a major topic," explained the deputy prime minister in resignation. /BGNES
