EC on the Iva Mihailova case: Brussels does not get involved in bilateral matters

The European Commission has responded to the case of Iva Mihailova, stressing that Brussels does not intervene in matters concerning bilateral relations.

In a response to “TV24,” the EC clarified that providing consular assistance is primarily the responsibility of national authorities. The Commission was asked to comment on whether North Macedonia’s Foreign Ministry had informed it about the case, whether the position of the Bulgarian authorities was in line with Bulgaria’s obligations as an EU member state, and whether Brussels would seek further information about the Mihailova case.

The European Commission spokesperson reiterated that the institution does not intervene in bilateral matters, while consular assistance remains primarily within the remit of national authorities.

Skopje has requested her arrest through an international arrest warrant, but Sofia has refused extradition, citing the European Convention and the fact that no ratified agreement exists. Mihailova left Macedonia just a few days after the one-on-one meeting between Mucunski and Chamova.

Meanwhile, from Berlin, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Petrova-Chamova conveyed a message about the importance of European values. During a meeting with her German counterpart Wadephul, she stated that respect for fundamental rights and non-discrimination are among the EU’s core values./Telegrafi/