Ursula von der Leyen: The future of North Macedonia is in the EU

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, reiterated her full support on formally launching negotiations for the accession of North Macedonia to the European Union, as early as possible.

In a joint press conference with Prime Minister Zoran Zaev in Skopje, she hailed the country’s progress.

“It is true that the future of North Macedonia is in the European Union, and we want you close. The EU Commission and I, believe that you have achieved extraordinary progress and we want to make it clear that now it is EU’s turn”, declared Von der Leyen.

The President of the Commission commended the progress achieved with the reforms, especially on the rule of law, and fight against corruption and organized crime, while emphasizing that it is imperative to keep up the progress.

Von der Leyen’s visit to the region comes one week ahead of the EU-Western Balkan summit in Slovenia. The EU has insisted that it will not be “a summit of enlargement”, but an opportunity to discuss stances.

After the President of the EU Commission, next to visit Skopje is EU Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi. Last week, he visited Bulgaria to discuss lifting the veto, which has blocked North Macedonia’s accession bid.