North Macedonia: HR/VP Josep Borrell met with Foreign Minister O

High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell met with the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia in Brussels on Monday.

He congratulated him on his appointment in the new government led by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev. Josep Borrell stated that the EU expects the new government to continue to deliver on the country’s EU commitments, to sustain and accelerate the implementation of EU-related reforms. This concerns in particular rule of law, the fight against organised crime and corruption, as well as further strengthening of good neighbourly relations.

He also welcomed North Macedonia’s contributions to EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy missions and operations and the fact that North Macedonia’s level of alignment with EU foreign policy positions has increased in recent years.

The High Representative stressed that the EU remains committed to supporting North Macedonia in its response to coronavirus pandemic and its consequences. The European Commission will also come forward in October with a very substantial Economic and Investment Plan to support the Western Balkans’ long-term recovery and bring the region closer to the EU.