Skopje, 23 August 2023 (МИА) - The Secretariat for European Affairs, in cooperation with the Government of North Macedonia, promoted the “We are Europe” campaign on Wednesday.

The caravan of the campaign worth Mden 5 million is set to cover eight cities and hold discussions on multiple topics such as, economy in Skopje, labor and social policy in Strumica, agriculture in Prilep, culture in Bitola, tourism and environment in Ohrid, youth in Tetovo, infrastructure in Shtip, and energy in Kumanovo.

"The first event titled 'Economy' will take place in Skopje on August 30 where Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski is set to give the opening address," Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European affairs, Bojan Marichikj said at press conference promoting the "We are Europe" campaign.

Activities will include visits and meetings with target groups interested to learn more about the topics discussed and the accession process in general.

"All discussions in all cities will be held at easily recognizable places that will be open to the public," the Deputy PM added.

Marichikj also noted that the campaign is part of North Macedonia's efforts to fulfill its strategic goals and bring citizens closer to European integration.

"The goal of these events is to present the benefits, necessary reforms and ways in which EU membership will protect and strengthen the Macedonian identity," Marichikj noted.

In response to a reporter's question regarding the polls that show the citizens support EU membership, but that the same number of citizens are against the French proposal, Marichikj said that EU membership is not the French proposal.

"Membership in the EU will be a transformation for our country, economic development, stability and prosperity, therefore we want to let citizens know that a lot of tasks lay ahead of us, as well as many benefits. That the French proposal is just one more task that in no way threatens our identity or our language. On the contrary, a year has passed since the proposal was adopted by Parliament. We have not become Bulgarized, nor is that possible, nor is there any attack on our identity," Marichikj said. ssh/ad/