Questioning of Bulgarians from North Macedonia

Question for written answer  E-002023/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Angel Dzhambazki (ECR)

On 13 March, a Bulgarian from the city of Struga was invited for questioning in Ohrid. At the interview ,which was conducted by the National Security Agency of the Republic of North Macedonia, he was asked questions about the ‘Send a Bulgarian book to Macedonia’ initiative, which seeks to strengthen people-to-people relations on both sides of the border. Subsequently, more than 50 other citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia were also interviewed.

Is the Commission aware of the activities of the National Security Agency of the Republic of North Macedonia?

What steps will the Commission take to protect the life and dignity of citizens who define themselves as Bulgarians in the Republic of North Macedonia?