Kovacevski: We have a chance to become a member of the EU by 2030

Kovacevski's address at the "Year of New Opportunities" conference/Photo: MIA

Whether we open the chapters within the negotiation process is something that depends on us. In this year, 2023, we have the biggest chance so far to speed up the negotiations and by 2030, objectively and realistically, the Republic of North Macedonia will become a member of the EU. We started the negotiations with a fully protected Macedonian language, and with it Macedonian identity, and that is already crystal clear. For everyone outside, I hope for all well-meaning people at home, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski emphasized in his speech at the two-day conference organized by the Government.

He reiterated that the Macedonian language is recognized and accepted equally among European languages, for which concrete proof is the already signed agreement with FRONTEX, adding that the respect, appreciation, strengthening and advancement of the Macedonian language and the Macedonian identity depend mostly on ourselves, here at home. Our history, tradition and language, emphasizes Kovacevski, no one can ever take it away.

- We have our own Macedonian history, culture, tradition, according to which we are recognized and acknowledged as a special nation and a special country in Europe and the world, and we should not debate this at home. Should we allow these foundations of ours to be attacked from the outside, but also from the inside, by individuals and structures eager for money and power, for whom nothing is sacred and everything is subject to money! Of course not! I, the Government and all the citizens will be a single and common bulwark for the defense and guarantee of the unique Macedonian national identity, emphasized Kovacevski.

In our country live equal citizens Albanians, Turks, Serbs, Vlachs, Roma, Bosniaks, but also others, with whom we successfully build an equal society for all and that makes us even more special and an example of coexistence, said the Prime Minister, adding that it is something which is also practiced by the nations that are part of the EU.

- If I have to talk about the relations with the Republic of Bulgaria, I will talk about that, because there is nothing to be tactful here. We are committed to good neighborly relations, in the spirit of European values. North Macedonia guarantees and enables all peoples and all citizens who live on this soil and who consider the country their home, to exercise their rights unhindered. And we have shown and proven this in action many times before. We are proud of our multicultural society, we are proud to be Europe in miniature. That's the way it was, that's the way it is, that's the way it will be, Kovacevski said.

Another issue, emphasizes the Macedonian Prime Minister, is that they are preparing for new parliamentary elections there and that, like everywhere, there are individuals who try to gain visibility and voice through nationalist and populist rhetoric.

- There are probably attempts to harm not only the bilateral relations, but also the unity in Europe, to which the war in Ukraine has especially pointed, and which should be ensured through the further expansion of the Union, Kovachevski believes.

Therefore, he says, we will all look after our own work, and our work is to protect the national identity, stability and security of the state and enable progress.

– We do that. And as we are sacred guardians of the past, we will also not allow anyone to threaten our European agenda and our well-deserved European future. In the year 2023, I expect a new step forward in European integration, emphasizes Prime Minister Kovacevski.

He believes that a "European parliamentary majority" can be achieved, which will ensure European perspectives.

- I base this assessment on the fact that the large majority of citizens in the country, in the last parliamentary elections, gave their trust to pro-European political entities, which formed a pro-European Government. And this pro-European Government that I lead will continue to work according to the expectations of the majority of citizens, which are a European way of life at home and the integration of the country into the European Union, said the Prime Minister.

Kovacevski emphasized that this strategic goal, set by the independence of the state and the chances of membership in the EU, have never been greater and more realistic than today.

- And therefore, before us is a year that will test the maturity of all political leaders and all deputies in the Parliament. We are a multi-ethnic civil state, a successful functional multi-ethnic democracy, an example in the region and in Europe, and by adding new ethnic communities to the constitution, we will not lose anything, says the Prime Minister.

Kovacevski said he is speaking openly about the challenges in 2023, because smart decisions need to be made.

- Yes, it is difficult to make reasonable decisions in times of unreasonable provocations, but one's behavior speaks for the person who applies that behavior. If we lower the level, if we succumb to those provocations, which have this goal - then we have lost. We have allowed profiteers, populists, people without values, morals and ethics to win. We have left room for the Macedonian enemies, said Kovacevski, who told the citizens that we must not, cannot and should not waste more time on defeats and standing still.

The Prime Minister added that he understands the caution and doubts because he too has a family that lives here and loves his native country.

- But I cannot and will not accept someone to profit politically at the expense of the perspectives of the citizens and the state. I said, most of this year I was among you, the citizens - and I listen to your needs. It is not permanent early elections, it is not political trickery, it is not blockages in the parliament, it is not a life in spasms and crises, in pessimism and despair, said Kovacevski, who believes that citizens are looking for real and justified expectations for improving the quality of life. .

Therefore, in 2023, Kovacevski pointed out, the Government will continue with the strategic approach and numerous planned projects for which new opportunities are open. He called for responsible behavior, in the name of a good future for everyone and our country.

- We are in the phase of bilateral screening, which is taking place successfully and which we should finish before the end of this year, said the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Kovacevski, previously speaking about investments, said that investors want security and a predictable investment climate and that investments and new jobs are the result of the brave and wise decisions we made when the Republic of North Macedonia became a member of NATO.

- We have ensured the security of the state and as we said, this step already contributes to the economic plan as well - and that in the specific time in which we live, Kovacevski said in his address.

Dear reader,

Our access to web content is free, because we believe in equality in information, regardless of whether someone can pay or not. Therefore, in order to continue our work, we ask for the support of our community of readers by financially supporting the Free Press. Become a member of Sloboden Pechat to help the facilities that will enable us to deliver long-term and quality information and TOGETHER let's ensure a free and independent voice that will ALWAYS BE ON THE PEOPLE'S SIDE.

SUPPORT A FREE PRESS.
WITH AN INITIAL AMOUNT OF 60 DENARS

Video of the day