Sassoli to address Parliament in Skopje


EP President David Sassoli will address the Parliament of the Republic of North Macedonia on Tuesday.

Ahead of his address, Sassoli will meet Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi, coordinators of MP groups and representatives of other political parties.

Sassoli met with President Stevo Pendarovski and Prime Minister Zoran Zaev on Monday.

Sassoli told a joint press conference with Zaev that North Macedonia must start EU accession talks, the October decision can be reversed in a few months, whereas the country should use this time to start implementing new reforms.

“This is not a disastrous decision, it’s merely a delay. EU institutions believe North Macedonia has met conditions and must start accession talks,” Sassoli said.

He added that one positive development is that some countries are starting to re-examine their positions on this issue.

“We believed accession negotiations will be opened at the latest Council meeting and still expect the decision to change in a few months. This gives institutions time to start implementing new reforms. We have a common future,” Sassoli said.