Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, met today in Brussels with Stevo Pendarovski, President of North Macedonia.
This was the first meeting between High Representative Mogherini and President Pendarovski since his election as President of North Macedonia on 5 May. By choosing Brussels for his first official visit, President Pendarovski demonstrated his strong commitment to the European Union integration.
The renewed recommendation of the Commission to open accession negotiations with North Macedonia is an acknowledgement of the country’s ambitious reforms, which have delivered tangible results, Federica Mogherini stressed. The decision to open the accession negotiations with North Macedonia is now with the Council and should be taken as soon as possible, stressed the High Representative, as it is in the EU’s own interest to bring the country closer to the EU.
Federica Mogherini furthermore appreciated President Pendarovski’s determination to maintain good neighbourly relations by supporting the implementation of the Prespa agreement and of the bilateral agreement with Bulgaria, confirming also that North Macedonia is a solid partner for the EU and plays an important role in addressing shared challenges.
