Johannes Hahn visits the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, is in Skopje today and tomorrow to reiterate the EU's readiness to support the country in its reform process. Today, Commissioner Hahn will meet with key political representatives including Speaker of Parliament Talat Xhaferi, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, Deputy Prime Minister Bujar Osmani, Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov, as well as other members of the government and representatives of the main political parties. The Commissioner will also meet with civil society representatives working in academia and culture. Tomorrow 21 November, the Commissioner will launch the new campaign on Human Resources ‘We believe in You, We invest in You, EU for You’ which supports employment, education and social inclusion.

Ahead of the visit, Commissioner Hahn said: "I am looking forward to going back to Skopje. I will meet political leaders, as well as representatives of civil society, to reiterate our support for the country carrying out the necessary reforms to become a member of the European Union. We have seen progress, but the political authorities from both the Government and the opposition need to continue to deliver on the implementation of the Przino agreement and the Urgent Reform Priorities. Tangible steps on judicial independence, the reform of the intelligence services and a professional and merit based public administration bring, first of all, benefits to citizens as well as helping the country to get closer to the European Union." Videos and photos of the visit will be available on EbS.