We are concerned about the escalating rhetoric coming from our neighbors in the Republic of North Macedonia, as it demonstrates a limited understanding of European processes and likely an attempt to avoid responsibility, Bulgaria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev said in an interview with BNT. "There are no open issues between Sofia and Skopje", said Minister Georgiev.

"Everything that is required of us is being done, as well as by the members of the European Parliament. Bulgaria’s concerns have been addressed and taken into account. Our diplomatic restraint should not be confused with inaction", Georg Georgiev said, adding that Bulgaria should not behave like a ''hysterical state''.

Georg Georgiev also predicted that Bulgaria has the opportunity to become a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development by 2026.

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photo: BTA