“The topic of protecting minorities is a core value of the EU. It is in Article 2 of our treaties, so this is an important topic. It is important that we deliver on our promise in these difficult times towards our neigbours. These times are very special and very difficult, very turbulent, and they will determine the future of Europe,” the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said during her visit to Bulgaria.

“I want to commend Bulgaria for all the support here in the region, where our goodneighbourly conditions are concerned,” Ursula von der Leyen stated. “It is also important to have a clear approach to the tasks ahead of us. I want to remind all of us, that in 2020, the European Council took a major decision to step forward and to say - now it is time, and we promise to start accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania. I think it is now important that we deliver together. I count on Bulgaria that you will skillfully steer the process and I know that you are able to do that.”