Skopje, 5 July 2022 (MIA) – Today, thanks to the French proposal, there is serious progress possible. Bulgaria will respect the basic rights of Macedonians related to identity, language, and culture. In return, your country will finally be able to start the EU accession process, Belgian diplomat Peter Vanhoutte said in an open letter to the citizens of North Macedonia posted on Facebook. According to Vanhoutte, the proposal allows the country to finally start the accession process. “The EU is your future. The EU will open lots of opportunities for your economic development, for your future and the future of your children. So, don't be afraid to make the right option, but engage actively in the accession process. I understand the nationalist outcry from some political parties. As opposition, their role is to oppose – and let’s be clear: it is always easier to oppose a decision from the government than to agree with it and support it,” Vanhoutte says. He sends a message “don’t lock yourself into the past” and “let’s choose the right priorities for our future.” “Let's focus now on the integration of your country in the EU and how we will all benefit from this. Let's choose the right priorities for our future. And to the nationalist opposition: today North Macedonia is a true nation state, with a specific culture, its own history and recognised official languages and communities. Don't lock yourself into the past but engage in a common future. You deserve to become one day a member of the EU, the door is open, so please, go for it!” Vanhoutte adds. As regards the remaining issues with Bulgaria, he notes that it is necessary to continue talks in order to agree on solutions. “And concerning the remaining issues between your country and Bulgaria, if there is a problem, there is a solution. Continue to talk to each other in order to agree on solutions and the way forward. Your Government has very competent Ministers who will continue to serve your interests. I am confident that they will deliver and actively engage in the EU integration, together with the EU Commission and representatives of the EU member states,” Vanhoutte said.