Ursula von der Leyen in an interview with BNT: I urge the admission of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen

In her most important speech of the year, the President of the European Commission called for the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen. In her message to all citizens of the United Europe, delivered from the rostrum of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Ursula von der Leyen outlined the priorities on the most important issues for the Europeans and the tasks for the next 300 days until the end of the Commission's tenure. Ursula von der Leyen pointed out that "in a world of uncertainty, Europe should once again answer the call of history."

BNT was the only Bulgarian media, to which she gave an interview, in which she promised Sofia's interests in the dispute with Skopje to be protected.

BNT: I would like to ask you about the enlargement. You know about the tensions between Sofia and Skopje on this issue, what is your advice to both sides to speed up the integration process for Skopje?

"We have an agreement on the process. This is a process that applies to both sides. The principles have to be implemented. In my view, this is a very important step because we want, after the monitoring process, to start accession talks with North Macedonia, this is important. And the Bulgarian interests to be respected", replied Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

"Bulgaria and Romania have done an outstanding job, our report shows it. That is why I call again on the Council to make sure that Bulgaria and Romania join Schengen, and deservedly so", said Von der Leyen.