Diplomacy and Leadership Moves. Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva

The decisions of the foreign ministers from the meeting in Sofia; How important is the Bulgarian role in the Balkans; What are the expectations for the meeting in Varna; What are the real prospects for Bulgaria for Schengen and the Eurozone; The conflict in Syria, the refugee crisis and the role of the EU in security relations. These and other topics were commented by Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister for Justice Reform and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, Ekaterina Zaharieva.

EU-Turkey relations through the prism of Bulgarian national interest

Ekaterina Zaharieva said that the meeting between Turkish President Erdogan and the European leaders in Bulgaria (which will take place in March) is a success for the Bulgarian Presidency, as this in the context of the ongoing crisis in the EU-Turkey relations is one of the important topics for Bulgaria and for the EU.

According to Zaharieva, it is important to have good relations with Turkey, as a NATO ally, neighbouring country, as well as an important part of the path of migration flow. In this sense, it is worrying that the country's accession process to the EU is not advancing. Minister Zaharieva reminded that during the Bulgarian presidency decision has to be made on the second tranche related to the EU-Turkey agreement.

As regards the Western Balkans, Minister Zaharieva stressed that the main goals are 6 but behind them there is a specific action plan for their accelerated integration. These actions can be taken in two directions and these specific actions are part of the plan.

“On one hand, the procedure for moving the accession negotiations forward is a commitment of the the Western Balkans countries to fulfill the conditions, to comply with the EU law, to the high standards with respect to the rule of law and human rights, including good neighbourly relations ... At the same time prepare their economies for the bigger market, much more competitive ... On the other hand, the EU itself needs to be ready to accept them when they meet the criteria. "

In connection with the emphasis on improving relations between the Balkan countries, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic gave an interview on the sidelines of the informal meeting of foreign ministers in Sofia. He commented that when talking about Kosovo, it is unacceptable for certain foreign ministers to address arrogant messages to Serbia calling for recognition of Kosovo's independence if it wants to become a member of the EU. He was referring to the words of the German Foreign Minister.