Skopje, 14 July 2022 (MIA) - Now is the moment North Macedonia should seize to accept the European proposal, which means holding of the first intergovernmental conference and start of accession negotiations with the EU, it was concluded at Thursday's meeting of Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. During the meeting, Kovachevski and von der Leyen discussed vital issues related to the enlargement of the European Union, the government's press service said. "European Commission President von der Leyen noted that North Macedonia and the Western Balkans belong in the EU and that it is the only way that leads to a better future for present and future generations," said the press release. Both Kovachevski and von der Leyen once again stressed that the European proposal doesn't threaten in any way the identity, culture, history and the Macedonian language. It was also concluded that in the context of the new geopolitical circumstances, to unblock the EU integration process and to open negotiations for joining the EU is very important and key for North Macedonia's overall progress. The decisions being made now, it was concluded, said the press release, guarantee the future of the country, which requires wise and statesmanlike steps that lead to prosperity, development of democratic and overall economic progress.