EU Commissioner criticizes Blocking of accession Talks Over Historical Disputes
Brussels, Belgium – European Union Commissioner Andrews Cubilus has strongly condemned the practice of EU member states blocking accession negotiations with candidate countries due to historical disputes.Speaking at a joint meeting in Brussels between the European Parliament’s Delegation for NATO Relations and the Alliance’s parliamentary assembly, cubilus stated that such tactics are “wholly unacceptable.”
Cubilus’s remarks came in response to a question from a representative of the Republic of Northern Macedonia (RSM) concerning relations between Sofia and Skopje,and in the context of an advanced EP report on the RSM’s progress. The Commissioner recalled his own involvement in preparing a report on the EU expansion strategy, which suggested that accession could be completed by 2030. He reiterated his belief in this timeline and emphasized that the report advocated for resolving disputes through means other than obstructing accession talks, a practice he described as “dishonest for the candidates.”
Drawing on his experience in Central and Eastern Europe, Cubilus highlighted the historical context of border shifts and minority populations in the 20th century, noting that these events left “many scars.”
Meanwhile, Bulgarian president Rumen Radev, speaking alongside his Croatian counterpart Zoran Milanovic, affirmed that Bulgaria would not compromise on protecting the rights of Bulgarians residing in the RSM. President Radev asserted that the RSM is hindering its own path to the EU by failing to meet membership criteria. He specifically pointed to the need for Skopje to guarantee the rights of Bulgarians and include them in the constitution alongside other state-building peoples, a condition he stated Bulgaria is awaiting fulfillment of to open accession negotiations. President Radev stressed that Bulgaria is not introducing new demands but insists on the observance of previously agreed-upon terms.