Prof. Tashev emphasizes that the passive Bulgarian policy in recent years creates dangerous breakthroughs in the general European consensus. Sofia’s lack of proactive action allows Western European diplomats to ignore the details of the Macedonian issue. In the last year, similar messages have also come from representatives of Croatia and Montenegro.
I chalk it up to ignorance, but ignorance is due to several factors. First, Belgian or other diplomatic representatives from Western Europe are not required to know the Macedonian issue in detail. Second – the passive Bulgarian policy in recent years.
The expert explained that the PCM issue is not an ordinary bilateral dispute, but a problem related to basic human rights. The systematic violation of the rights of people with a Bulgarian identity began as early as 1944. Currently, the RSM is self-blocking due to its unwillingness to fulfill the criteria laid down in the so-called French proposal.
The historical context shows that during the communist regime in Bulgaria, a policy of silence was pursued. The Bulgarian Communist Party made a series of compromises and mistakes on the Macedonian question after 1944. These actions were dictated by the desire to maintain good relations with Yugoslavia. The political mistakes of the past allow Skopje today to impose those of a “settled” issue before the international community.
The association of descendants of refugees and immigrants from the territory of the RSM has already reacted with a protest statement. The organization insists on a more active explanation of the historical truth to the European partners. It often happens that the RSM calls on powerful EU countries to put pressure on Sofia to speed up its European integration.
The new composition of the European Parliament requires a renewal of the information campaign from the Bulgarian side. Many of the current MEPs are not familiar with the details of the negotiating framework and conditions for Skopje. Bulgaria must clearly state that respect for human rights is a fundamental condition for membership in the European family. Only through a systematic and clear position can Sofia protect its national interests on the international stage.
