High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini received Deputy Prime Minister Fatmir Besimi of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia this morning. The Deputy Prime Minister updated her on the current developments in the country, including on the on-going political crisis and the efforts of the leaders of the main political parties to seek an agreement that would lead to the solution of the crisis and help re-instate trust in the State and its institutions.

The High Representative expressed a clear expectation of the European Union that the interest of the country and its citizens is put above party interests in these difficult times. No effort should be spared to find a lasting political compromise, building on the agreement facilitated on 2 June 2015 in Skopje. She also stressed the need for the country to continue with the implementation of reforms which are crucial for the European perspective of the country.