“The barbaric war of Russian President Vladimir Putin against the people of Ukraine undermines stability, security, and the economy of the entire European continent”, said on Monday EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in his first visit to Skopje.

Borrell warned that the EU is planning to slap Russia with a new set of sanctions.

“We’ve prepared a fourth package of sanctions that will be approved by the Council of Foreign Ministers. The measures will target Russia’s access to the market, international institutions, cryptocurrencies, export of luxury goods as well as coal and energy sectors”m Borrell said.

In regards to North Macedonia’s accession bid, Borrell said that a solution with Bulgaria would pave the way for the country to join the bloc.

“We’ll do anything to launch accession talks. I hope for a solution to the dispute with Bulgaria. Opening negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania are a top EU priority”, concluded Borrell.

On Tuesday, Borrell will visit Tirana and then travel to Sarajevo on Wednesday.