Bulgaria’s Vice President Iliana Yotova Criticizes EU Enlargement Approach

Brussels, The Gulf Observer: Bulgaria’s Vice President Iliana Yotova has strongly criticized the European Union’s current enlargement strategy, particularly its handling of the Western Balkans, during her remarks at the “The European Union Meets the Balkans” forum organized by MEP Ilhan Küçük.

In her address, Yotova dismissed the notion that Bulgaria’s bilateral relations with North Macedonia are hindering Skopje’s EU accession process. She argued that the ongoing stalemate is the result of structural and political shortcomings within the EU’s enlargement policy.

Speaking directly to European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, Yotova lamented the stagnation of the “Thessaloniki Process”—a framework set in motion in 2003 to support the EU integration of the Western Balkans. While acknowledging Bulgaria’s efforts to revive the process during its 2018 EU Presidency, she criticized the European Commission for subsequently failing to maintain momentum and clarity in its approach.

The Vice President voiced strong opposition to recent proposals that would allow decisions on enlargement to be made through qualified majority voting, warning that this would undermine the unity and integrity of the enlargement framework. She insisted that all accession processes must follow strict, non-negotiable conditions.

“Bulgaria does not place additional demands on North Macedonia,” Yotova clarified. “The criteria set forth are part of the agreed EU accession framework and not unilateral conditions imposed by Sofia.”

She also rejected what she described as misleading narratives from some European officials and commentators who portray the issue as a mutual blockade between Bulgaria and North Macedonia. According to Yotova, even officials in Skopje recognize that the core of the disagreement lies within the EU framework, particularly regarding the protection of the rights of Bulgarians residing in North Macedonia.

European Commissioner Marta Kos responded by acknowledging the challenges facing the enlargement agenda and emphasized the need for innovative thinking in a landscape lacking clear rules. She reassured the audience of the European Union’s commitment to enlargement, noting that it remains a top strategic priority rather than a symbolic gesture.

The exchange underscored persistent divisions within the EU over how to handle future expansion, particularly in the Western Balkans—a region that remains critical to European stability and cohesion.