The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European affairs, Bojan Mariciк, and the special envoy of the Federal Government of Germany for the Western Balkan countries, Manuel Sarazzin, at the joint press conference, which was held after the working meeting, sent messages of support to the acceptance of the new French proposal, emphasizing that it contains the remarks and positions of the Macedonian side on the preservation of identity, as well as on the importance of starting the accession negotiations now.

- We have two key interests in this whole process, one is to preserve our identity and language, and the second is to become a member of the EU, both are very important for the citizens. We took care of this because we thought it was possible to preserve the language and the identity and to become a member of the European Union. Let's become a member of the EU as Macedonians who speak the Macedonian language, and we will not give up on that goal, said Maricik.

Sarazzin referred to the new geopolitical situation and the importance of uniting Europe with the countries of the Western Balkans, adding that the Russian Federation's attack on Ukraine shows how important it is to solve problems and how important it is to organize together.

- I can say, this is a moment that brings a certain hope in itself. I have a feeling that the door to progress in the EU process for North Macedonia is now as wide open as it has not been for a long time and I know that to pass through this door is not so easy and that it is a decision of your politics and of your country, but I wish we could walk this path together because we are in a time that is a turning point, Sarazzin pointed out.

Deputy Prime Minister Maricik pointed out that the Government from the very beginning showed a particular interest in overcoming the open issues with Bulgaria with a strong commitment and conducting an honest and open dialogue, which was a good signal for the EU.

- Guided exclusively by the interest of the state and the citizens, I am proud that we found a compromise solution with which we defended our red lines and made our language and identity European in a dignified way. The topic with Bulgaria has been going on for 2-3 years and I think that we have wasted a lot of time waiting for 17 years, not by our fault, but we would not like to miss this opportunity these days our fault. That is why we have an intensive discussion with all, Maricik added.

Sarazzin agrees that the Government really negotiated intensively and considers the compromise that is now on the table to be a chance for compromise, because it takes into account the demands of the government of North Macedonia, which according to him is a sign that Europe can function here.