site.btaUPDATED PM Petkov: Russia Uses Local-level Corruption to Exert Influence in Region

The Russian Federation uses local-level corruption as an instrument to exert influence in the Balkan region, Bulgarian prime Minister Kiril Petkov said after a meeting between heads of government of NATO members in Southeastern Europe. Attending were the prime ministers of Romania Nicolae Ciucă, of North Macedonia Dimitar Kovačevski and of Montenegro Zdravko Krivokapić. The forum took place at Sofia's Boyana Residence on Monday.

Petkov stressed that the Balkans should become a symbol of a coordinated region where changes occur. Regional development is possible when speaking with one voice, he added.

The discussion focused on the impact of the war in Ukraine on the region. The government leaders also exchanged views on the implications in the area of security, energy and economy.

Petkov said that 64 Bulgarian citizens will return home from Russia on Monday by a humanitarian flight.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister is optimistic about North Macedonia’s EU accession negotiations and expects the process to speed up in the coming weeks. "North Macedonia has а place in the European family, and the Bulgarian Government is committed to achieving this result as soon as possible. There are a few issues which have yet to be sorted out stage by stage, including the protection of minority rights," he said. "We are working in close coordination with our European partners who often play the role of a third party in the negotiations [between Bulgaria and North Macedonia], so we wait for specific guidelines to be included in the agreement on the [accession] negotiations," Petkov added.

The Prime Ministers of Bulgaria, Romania, North Macedonia, and Montenegro expressed their support for Ukraine and called for developing cooperation between the countries in the region.

Montenegrin Prime Minister Krivokapić stressed that now is the moment to talk less and work more. Now is the time to ensure better quality of life for the citizens in the Western Balkans, he said, adding that Montenegro lags behind in connectivity. Montenegro is probably the only country in Europe that does not use natural gas, so such options are being discussed. Montenegro has a large port for the supply of natural gas but needs connectivity. “We are no different, we would like to be like Europe, to secure connections and develop, Krivokapić stated.

North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Kovačevski said that the discussion sent a message of solidarity to Ukraine. This war created a new reality, it is necessary to coordinate the supply chains, he pointed out, adding that North Macedonia supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. North Macedonia coordinates its foreign policy with the EU and it shares all EU and NATO values. The EU accession is a security policy – halting the process will provide third countries the opportunity to exert influence and introduce uncertainty in the region. North Macedonia remains open to good neighborly relations with all countries, Kovačevski also said.

Romanian Prime Minister stressed that the meeting deepened the consultation process for increasing security in Southeastern Europe. "Russia’s invasion in Ukraine has serious impact on security and regional cooperation is mandatory, this is what we do," he said. "We are firmly resolved in supporting Euro-Atlantic values and increasing NATO’s capabilities on its Eastern flank. Russia is the greatest threat for our security, and we hope for increased protection. We are aware of Russia’s harmful influence in the region, therefore we will work to counteract false news and increase trade and energy cooperation,” he added.