Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European affairs Bojan Maricik had a meeting with the special envoy of the Federal Government of Germany for the Western Balkan countries, Manuel Sarazzin, after which they held a joint press conference.

- Now, when we have reached the much-desired start of negotiations with the Union, it is time to value our work and seal the Macedonian language, the Macedonian identity, the Macedonian European and a prosperous future. We are one step away from a historic opportunity to start negotiations, without further delays, with the Macedonian language and Macedonian identity protected, without any additions, said Deputy Prime Minister Maricik. He emphasized that this is an opportunity to put an end to the labyrinth in solving open issues with Bulgaria and start the long-awaited negotiations with the European Union, and that this opportunity should be taken.

- In front of us we have a European proposal for the start of negotiations with the Union, which includes all Macedonian positions and remarks, and with which negotiations will begin immediately after its approval. Pure Macedonian language, equal to the other languages of the EU member states, Maricik explained.

Special representative Sarazzin emphasized that he sees the French proposal as an opportunity to start negotiations with the EU, which, according to him, represents a wide-open door as it has never been before. Sarazzin confirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to the enlargement of the Union with the countries of the Western Balkans, and this is a significant step that is in the interest of both the EU and the region.

- This Government negotiated really intensively in the past days and the compromise that is now on the table and as I read it is a real compromise that takes into account the demands of the Macedonian Government and I think that this is a sign that Europe can function here, said Sarazzin

Sarazzin emphasized that the enlargement policy and the integration of the Western Balkans is also crucial for the German Federal Government and therefore it is very important to complete this process with North Macedonia and that it is in our interest, but also in the interest of the European Union.

Maricik and Sarazzin also pointed to the current situation regarding the Russian aggression against Ukraine, noting that the European continent should be united in order to strengthen geopolitical security and close any possibility of influence from other countries in the region.