Speaking before the Bulgarian Parliament, outgoing caretaker Prime Minister Stefan Yanev confirmed that Macedonia will remain under veto and will not be allowed to open its EU accession talks at the European Council scheduled for next week.

Our position is that Macedonia and the Western Balkans, as a region, deserve their European future. Over the years, Bulgaria not only spoke in favor of it but worked to help prepare these countries on their way to their European future. Regarding Macedonia, it’s a fact that in 2017 we signed a treaty for good neighborly relations and cooperation. Our position as a state is that they do not meet their obligations, Yanev said, answering to a question from a representative from the populist ITN party.

ITN is expected to be part of the next ruling coalition, and along with the Bulgarian Socialist Party, it took a hardline position toward Macedonia. ITN is also likely to take the position of Foreign Minister in the next Government, further complicating matters for Macedonia.