Ursula von der Leyen visits Skopje today as special traffic measures are introduced

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will arrive in Skopje today as part of her visit to the countries of the Western Balkans.

According to a statement from the government press service, she will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. Following the meeting, the two officials will hold a joint press conference.

Ahead of the European Commission president’s visit, Prime Minister Mickoski said that the government remains ready for dialogue and to find a solution. He rejected opposition claims that the executive is hindering European integration by failing to open or accept constitutional changes.

“Our position is clear, our arguments are clear. We are ready to talk, debate and, at the end of the day, find a solution,” Mickoski said.

During her stay in Skopje, von der Leyen will also meet with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova at Vila Vodno. The focus will be on the country’s and the region’s European prospects, as well as the process of accession to the European Union.

Another topic of discussion is expected to be relations with Bulgaria and ways to overcome the obstacles.

Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski said ahead of the visit that North Macedonia aims to reach an agreement with Bulgaria that would provide predictability for the European integration process.

Due to Ursula von der Leyen’s visit, special traffic measures will be implemented on several roads in the capital.