Skopje, 28 July 2022 (MIA) – Negotiations for the country’s full-fledged EU membership have started with a fully protected identity and Macedonian language, which are not part of the negotiating framework, whereas bilateral issues are part of the bilateral protocol with Bulgaria. Thanks to the coordinated and committed work by many stakeholders over the course of almost two decades, we now have a negotiating framework in which the Macedonian language and identity are protected, while historical issues are out of it, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski on Thursday. PM Kovachevski told a Q&A session in Parliament that the Macedonian language would be one of EU’s official languages, without any explanations, additions or footnotes. “As much as some want to distort the truth and manipulate the people with dark scenarios, the start of the EU accession negotiations maintains and strengthens the Macedonian identity, the Macedonian language, the culture, the history, the uniqueness, both at home and across the globe,” said Kovachevski. He added that the EU talks have ensured stability and prosperous future for current and next generations. “We will come out stronger and more stable from this process, moving fast towards a common prosperous future. I also expect continued and increased assistance from the EU in the coming period, providing Macedonian citizens and economy with specific and real support so that we can live the European reality today,” noted Kovachevski. The PM said the Secretariat for European Affairs and Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj are already working on the structure of the negotiating teams, hiring experts for translation of the legislation in Macedonian language. He also expects the Secretariat to engage people with vast experience in the European integration field, both from the business community and academia.