Skopje, 19 July 2022 (MIA) – The first step towards our European future has been made, and our 30-year dream is within reach. Today is the day when we start a new chapter in Macedonian history. A chapter of accelerated development, prosperity and stability, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski told a press conference after the first Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) in Brussels on Tuesday. PM Kovachevski said the realization of this strategic objective resulted from difficult decisions that required leadership and courage, wisdom and responsibility. “The citizens of North Macedonia are the most deserving for this day. They did not give in to any challenge, making enormous concessions and compromises along the way, in order to fulfill their dream of joining the European family. We have decided to face our fears and take bold decisions for our future, refusing to be held hostage to the past,” said Kovachevski. He added that patriotic decisions were made in the interest of the future of the country and its children. “There is no greater patriotism than the clear vision and plan for the future, commitment to prosperity for the country and its citizens. We have taken the final decision that ensures our Macedonian identity, Macedonian language, culture and uniqueness,” noted Kovachevski. Europe accepts us, he added, as Macedonians speaking the Macedonian language, through unconditional respect of the dignity of the Macedonian people and its identity, historical and cultural traits, while adding, “This has been secured for all times. These things are non-negotiable, not now, not ever”. “I am certain citizens will come out as winners from this process, that we will all come out stronger, more stable and moving swiftly towards a common prosperous future. I am certain that the continued support that the EU is set to provide in the coming period will help Macedonian citizens live the European reality today,” said Kovachevski. He added that European values and principles of freedom, democracy, equality and rule of law are North Macedonia’s as well. “We are building friendships. We are committed to finding mutually acceptable solutions and standing shoulder to shoulder with our partners in the European Union. We are sharing the same values and from now on we will share the European future, a future where all of our traits, specifics, tradition, culture, customs will be authentically ours, Macedonian, shared with all of our EU friends. This is what makes us and the EU richer,” noted Kovachevski. He said North Macedonia will develop economically, politically and as a society, leading to better quality of life. “It is time to unite, for togetherness, optimism, faith in a better tomorrow, but primarily for hard work, for a prosperous European country and efficient integration into the Union. It is time for the new sun of freedom to rise and light up our path, so that we look fearlessly to the future and swiftly realize our dream. It is time for new victories, joint victories,” underlined Kovachevski.