Ursula von der Leyen visits Skopje, traffic restrictions announced on several roads

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is making an official visit to Skopje today as part of her tour of the Western Balkan countries.

According to a statement from the government press service, she will hold a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. Following the meeting, the two are expected to hold a joint press conference.

Before the European official’s visit, Mickoski said that the government remained ready for dialogue and for finding a solution. He dismissed opposition claims that the executive was blocking European integration because it was neither opening nor accepting constitutional amendments.

“Our position is clear, and so are our arguments. We are ready to talk, debate and ultimately find a solution,” Mickoski said.

During her visit to Skopje, von der Leyen will also meet President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova at Villa Vodno. The focus will be on North Macedonia’s and the region’s European perspective, as well as the process of accession to the European Union.

Part of the discussions is also expected to be devoted to the dispute with Bulgaria and ways to resolve it.

Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski said before the European Commission president’s arrival that Macedonia wanted an agreement with Bulgaria that would provide predictability to the European integration process.

During Ursula von der Leyen’s stay in the capital, special traffic regulations will be implemented on several roads in Skopje./Telegrafi/