Bulgaria Accuses Austrian MEP of Biased Reporting on North Macedonia’s EU Accession
In a recent development, Bulgarian government officials and members of the European Parliament have accused Austrian MEP Jan Hufe, rapporteur for North Macedonia’s EU accession report, of concealing lobbying meetings with North Macedonian officials and favouring the country’s demands while leaking confidential information.
According to Politico, the accusations were made after North Macedonia’s prime minister admitted to working with Hufe in recent months. Bulgarian MEP Andrey Kovatchev stated that the letter was written in response to the prime minister’s statements, saying "he in several consecutive statements himself admits that he has worked with the rapporteur in recent months."
Hufe’s office has denied any particular collaboration with the North Macedonian government, although it admitted that he was late to declare meetings per the Parliament’s voluntary 30-day rule. Hufe told Politico that it is standard to meet with officials from the country the report is about, not its neighbour.
However, Bulgarian politicians have been vocal in their criticism of Hufe’s reporting. Hufe claimed that Bulgarian politicians are doing everything they can to knock down the report, saying "including smear campaigns, fake accusations of being corrupt, fake accusations of being biased." He also showed Politico several threatening messages he received after his phone number was leaked on Bulgarian extreme-right social media accounts.
The controversy surrounding Hufe’s reporting has sparked concerns about the EU accession process for North Macedonia. Bulgaria has been a long-standing critic of North Macedonia’s EU bid, citing concerns over language and historical issues.
The European Parliament’s rapporteur on North Macedonia’s EU accession report plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s path to EU membership. As reported by Politico, Hufe’s report has been highly anticipated, with many expecting it to pave the way for North Macedonia’s accession talks.
As tensions continue to rise, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact North Macedonia’s EU bid. The European Parliament has yet to comment on the allegations made against Hufe.
The allegations made by Bulgarian officials and MEPs against Hufe highlight the complexities of the EU accession process and the often-contentious nature of EU politics.
According to sources, including Politico, the European Parliament’s internal rules require MEPs to declare meetings with external stakeholders, including government officials. However, the Parliament’s rules are not always clear, and MEPs have been known to push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable.
In related news, Austria has been a key player in shaping the EU’s policy towards the Western Balkans. As reported by Politico, Austria’s MEPs have been vocal in their support for North Macedonia’s EU bid.
The controversy surrounding Hufe’s reporting has significant implications for the EU’s relations with North Macedonia and Bulgaria. As the EU continues to navigate the complexities of its enlargement policy, this development serves as a reminder of the often-challenging nature of EU politics.
In conclusion, the allegations made against Hufe highlight the complexities and challenges of the EU accession process. As reported by Politico, this development will likely have significant implications for North Macedonia’s EU bid and the EU’s relations with Bulgaria.
