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Friday, April 18, 2025

EU Rejects Serbia's False 'Shopi Nation' and 'Surdulica Martyrs' Claims Against Bulgaria - Novinite.com

The European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) has rejected Serbian propaganda related to the so-called "Shopi nation" in Bulgaria and the so-called "Surdulica martyrs," BGNES reports. The Committee adopted two amendments to the report on Serbia, introduced by Bulgarian Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). These amendments were backed by all Bulgarian representatives in the Commission, as confirmed by Andrey Kovatchev from the European People's Party (EPP).

The rejection comes in response to persistent campaigns in Serbia aimed at inciting hatred against Bulgarians. These campaigns involve false claims about "Bulgarian crimes and occupation" during World War I. Serbian authorities have organized various commemorative events, including scientific sessions, memorials, concerts, and the publication of materials promoting the narrative of the "Surdulica martyrs." Notably, Serbian schools also held student competitions encouraging children to write about "Bulgarian crimes," thereby promoting anti-Bulgarian sentiment from a young age.

The EP's report also highlights Serbia's lack of progress in key areas, including rule of law, media freedom, and the fight against corruption, which are crucial for EU accession. Despite Serbia's aspirations to join the EU by the end of 2026, the report points out that the country has made insufficient reforms. The European Parliament has expressed concern over Serbia's close ties with Russia, which complicates its alignment...



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