Berlin, 10 December 2021 (MIA) – North Macedonia and the region are part of Europe, and though not yet part of the EU, the fight for a united, progressive Europe is our common fight, and in Germany we see a pillar of Europe, as a force that pulls for the good and as an extremely important partner – both politically and economically, Deputy PM for European Affairs Nikola Dimitrov told Friday’s meeting with new German Minister of State for Europe, Anna Lührmann. Deputy PM Dimitrov, who was Lührmann’s first foreign guest since she took office, presented in detail North Macedonia’s achievements and challenges on the path to the European Union, as a story of consistency and hope for the European perspective of the region. “Macedonian society is ready for the reform process, to bring home the same Europe that you live in, that is the task of our generation. The start of accession negotiations will direct our energy towards the future and make us winners in tackling challenges such as climate change and bridging the economic gap through deeper cooperation, rather than towards a past that pulls us backwards and in which we are all losers. Our case is critical to the EU's position in the region at a time when the European dream is being shaken, and very important for meeting the goals of the new German government, including the Western Balkans,” said Dimitrov. Lührmann pointed out that North Macedonia has fulfilled all requirements for start of accession negotiations, which is why her action will be firmly directed towards achieving this common strategic goal. The meeting was held on the second day after the new German government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz took office, as a “sign of continuity of the German positions in their action for a Europe based on values ​​and principles and the focus on the Macedonian European file as a key priority,” the Secretariat for European Affairs said in a press release.