The newly elected President of the European Parliament, Italian socialist David Sassoli, visits Macedonia today in his first international trip – a move meant to express solidarity after France blocked the opening of EU accession talks with Macedonia. Italy strongly supports the Zaev Government in its demand to open EU accession talks, but is also strongly in favor of keeping Macedonia coupled with Albania, which makes the opening of accession talks far more difficult.

In an interview with the MIA news agency ahead of his trip, Sassoli assured Macedonia that the French veto will be easily overcome within months, by the time of the Zagreb European Council in May.
During his visit, Sassoli will meet all political leaders and will address the Macedonian Parliament.