Andrei Kovachev, Chairman of the EU Parliamentary Committee on the Accession of the Western Balkans, praised the integration process as a vital step for both sides.

Meanwhile, he emphasized the importance of the swift admission of the region’s countries, based on their merits and progress in reforms.

Kovachev considers Albania and Montenegro as the most advanced countries in the negotiation process with the European Union, expressing hope that several Western Balkan nations, including Albania, will become full members in the coming years. He underlined the need to overcome historical differences, strengthen good neighborly relations, and facilitate regional movement and cooperation.

“Albania is one of the most pro-European and Euro-Atlantic societies. When the majority and the opposition unite on this issue, EU membership becomes a reality,” said Kovachev.

He also called for North Macedonia to begin its accession negotiations, assuring that Bulgaria has no obstacles regarding its candidacy.

“We, as the Republic of Bulgaria, have never had a problem with the name ‘Republic of Macedonia,’ and Bulgaria in no way blocks North Macedonia’s European membership. On the contrary, we strongly support the country’s progress. This also means the inclusion of the Bulgarian community in the Constitution, just like all other constituent communities of the state. We also demand that there be no discrimination against those who openly declare their historical Bulgarian identity,” stated Andrei Kovachev.