President Stevo Pendarovski on Monday met with European Parliament President David Sassoli.

At the meeting, President Pendarovski expressed satisfaction with the European Parliament’s continued and open support for the European integration of Macedonia. At the same time, President Pendarovski welcomed the adoption of the resolution following the outcome of the October European Council. The adoption of a resolution demanding the start of accession negotiations with Macedonia and Albania, as President Pendarovski pointed out, would help keep our citizens motivated. In this regard, he also expressed satisfaction that the European Parliament remains committed to enlargement, Pendarovski’s Office said.

At the meeting with Sassoli, President Pendarovski underlined that the decision of the latest summit of leaders in Brussels was unfavorable as the country took major steps in internal reforms and good neighborly relations in order to advance in European integration. He added that the European Council’s decision to return to enlargement next spring may be a demotivating for Macedonia and the entire Western Balkans region.

The President stressed that Macedonia’s European integration remains a long-term commitment, a motivation for transforming society and implementing European standards. The future of the country is within the European Union, a direction that was also confirmed at the recent meeting of the political leaders hosted by the President.