EU will closely monitor the developments in the Republic of Macedonia
18 May 2015 News
Minister Daniel Mitov participated in the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, which was held today in Brussels. The EU top diplomats discussed the situation in the Republic of Macedonia and voiced concern over the political crisis in the country. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister called for a clear commitment from the EU to resolve the current crisis by utilizing all available tools. He emphasized that the situation in the Republic of Macedonia shows the urgent need to carry out the comprehensive reforms necessary for the European integration of the country. The EU will continue to closely monitor the issue at the highest level and is expected to further discuss it at the next meeting of foreign ministers in June.
The Council started with a joint meeting of foreign and defense ministers, focused on the rapidly changing global security environment and the need for an adequate response to the crisis close to the EU. They discussed also possible measures to address the growing migration pressure on EU borders.
Ministers agreed to establish an EU naval operation in the central Mediterranean to contribute to disrupting human trafficking networks. The operation will be conducted in four phases and is expected to be launched by the end of June 2015.
Minister Daniel Mitov focused on the significant migratory pressure at the border of Bulgaria and expressed support for a comprehensive geographical approach that includes EU’s external land borders. He underscored the need for an effective implementation of the principle of solidarity, including a fair distribution of the financial burden.
The joint meeting of foreign and defense ministers also took stock of the fight against terrorism and hybrid threats. The Council discussed the preparations for the European Council in June 2015 and adopted conclusions on the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Ministers underscored the need of improving the visibility and impact of CSDP, enhancing the development of capabilities and strengthening the European defense technological and industrial base.
Over lunch, EU foreign and defence ministers exchanged views on the EU-NATO cooperation to combat the security challenges in the Southern and Eastern neighborhood with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
The foreign ministers also discussed prospects for the Middle East peace process and the possible contribution of the EU to resume negotiations.