President David Sassoli to visit Skopje: “Remain on the European track”

On his first external visit, the President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, will travel to North Macedonia. The visit to Skopje will take place next Monday and Tuesday, November 4-5. A trip to Tirana, Albania is scheduled for December 2-3. Ahead of the visit to Skopje, President Sassoli stated: “Visiting North Macedonia, and very soon after Albania, is of highest importance to me personally at this moment. We know that the population in both countries has been deeply disappointed by the Council`s failure to agree on the opening of accession talks due to the veto of a few member states. We understand and share this disappointment. Albania and North Macedonia have delivered on the reforms we asked from them and now deserve to be rewarded for their extraordinary efforts. All the more so, I want to call on the citizens and especially on the young generation: Do not give up hope, please remain on the European track. The European Parliament stands with you. With a strong majority of votes, the European Parliament has reiterated its full support for the opening of membership negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania one week ago. We will not remain silent but urge EU states to take a decision unanimously in favour of accession talks at the next meeting. In the meantime, we encourage both countries to continue on their reform paths. We are convinced that, despite the postponement, this time is not wasted. The reforms carried out on the way to full EU membership are in the best interests of the countries and their citizens, and will first and foremost benefit the young generation that deserves a better future”. During his visit in Skopje, President Sassoli will meet the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Mr. Zoran Zaev, as well as President Stevo Pendarovski. He will also hold talks with the leaders of parliamentary political parties, the President of the Assembly of North Macedonia, Talat Xhaferi, and address the Parliament. At the start of his visit, he will open the Europe House at the Delegation of the EU to the Republic of North Macedonia and join a discussion with students.