Dr. G?zim Visoka:

Yes. This is a major problem. There are opinions that this is important because it has to be resolved and the EU has offered this process. Others argue that it is conflict-inducing because it brings back historical conflicts, especially with regard to the situation with Bulgaria and north Macedonia.

When it comes to Bulgaria, it has clear issues with Macedonia in regard to identity and language. It is firm on those. Bulgarians are very proud of their heritage and they fear that Macedonia, as a state that was created as part of Yugoslavia, has borrowed a lot from their historical culture and they do not recognise it sufficiently.

Bulgaria has been very supportive of Kosovo because of historical division with Serbia. You have to know the history. Bulgaria recognised Kosovo immediately and offered full support. It is friendly and positive about Serbia but when it comes to Kosovo it has made up its mind and it is clear.

Bulgaria has always been a Euro-Atlantic partner, but it also has had ties with Russia for gas and other reasons of political connection. It has never undermined its overall political commitment.