Von der Leyen in Skopje: North Macedonia's EU Accession Process

von der Leyen, who had contacts in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, as part of her tour of the Western Balkan countries, was welcomed with a ceremony by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.

The two held a joint press conference after their meeting at the Prime Ministry.

In her speech here, Von der Leyen said that North Macedonia is a valuable ally.

Referring to the country's EU accession process, von der Leyen stated that North Macedonia is facing a critical step towards making progress and opening the "basic principles" chapter group.

Saying that North Macedonia belongs to the EU, von der Leyen said, "We embrace North Macedonia with its identity and language. We believe that the Macedonian culture and language can only enrich our Union; because our motto is diversity and unity, and we take this extremely seriously." he said.

"We want to be a part of the EU and we are working devotedly towards this goal."

Mickoski also stated that reforms, the speed of the accession process and the difficulties that have long been an obstacle to North Macedonia's path to the EU were discussed during the meeting.

Stating that they want the process leading to the EU to be a process based on fair and clear rules, Mickoski said, "As a state, our determination is clear and has not changed. We want to be a part of the EU and we are working devotedly towards this goal. At the same time, we believe that the time has come when this process should receive stronger political support from all European institutions." he said.

Referring to the problems with neighboring Bulgaria, Mickoski emphasized that North Macedonia wants these issues to be resolved through dialogue, in the spirit of goodwill and mutual respect.

Von der Leyen was also received by President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova as part of her contacts in the country.

As part of the Balkan tour, von der Leyen also visited Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro.