Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov told the Greek Kathimerini paper that his country will support Macedonia in its EU accession process, but only after all issues, such as greater minority rights for Bulgarians, are resolved. The key Bulgarian demand right now is that Macedonia amends its Constitution and names the Bulgarian community in the preamble.

We are in favor of the European perspective of (Northern) Macedonia, as well as Albania. But there are some things that need to be resolved first, such as respecting the rights of Bulgarians in (Northern) Macedonia, with guarantees within the framework of the constitution. We have a road map and very good communication with the government of (Northern) Macedonia, and we hope to move forward quickly, Petkov told Kathimerini.