Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission

21.3.2022

As mentioned in its answers to previous written questions, including E-002024/2021, E-002023/2021, E-00260/2021, E-002686/2021 , E-002965/2021, E- 003432/2021 , E-003707/2021, E-004103/2021, E-004403/2021, E-004471/2021, P-004740/2021, Е-004726/2021, the Commission is following closely the developments.

In line with the enlargement package published on 19 October 2021[1], the Commission highlights that e xisting bilateral agreements, including the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation between Bulgaria and North Macedonia, need to be implemented in good faith by all parties.

The Commission welcomes the renewed impetus between Bulgaria and North Macedonia. It encourages both sides to keep up the positive momentum and continue to find a mutually acceptable solution to the remaining bilateral issues.

• [1] COM(2021) 644 final Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions 2021, Communication on EU Enlargement Policy ;
  SWD(2021) 294 final Commission Staff Working Document North Macedonia 2021 Report Accompanying the document Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions 2021 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy