Skopje, 28 December 2024 (MIA) - We must protect the accession process from further bilateralization because it is becoming a problem for the EU itself, says Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani in an interview with MIA.

"Bilateralization of the EU accession negotiations process is not a problem only for candidate-states but is becoming a serious problem for the Union itself. Especially now that Croatia has said it would block the closure of some of Montenegro's accession chapters. There are similar announcements for other candidates, which shows that the bilateralization of the EU accession process is not damaging only for candidates but for the Union as well," says Murtezani.

He notes that member-states are aware of these problems and are "attentively listening to our arguments".

"The Prime Minister and I have tried on several occasions to explain that the obligation of implementing the constitutional amendments remains, there is political will and readiness for their adoption, but we must protect the process from further bilateralization, especially considering that the design of the accession process entails implementation of certain reforms and European standards," says Murtezani.

The Deputy PM adds the process has no sense if it is based on historical events from the 11th, 12th or 13th centuries.

"Therefore, if the process is set to make us a credible country to join the EU, the process must be focused on reforms and standards. Brussels has shown understanding, not only in our case but in broader terms as well. We hope for a stable political government in Bulgaria, so that we sit down and talk, because bilateral agreements create obligations for both sides, whereas the Friendship Treaty obligates Sofia to supports us, not block us," says Murtezani.

MIA will publish the full interview with Deputy PM Murtezani on Sunday.

Photo: MIA