Skopje, 6 July 2022 (MIA) – With the acceptance of the French proposal, it is possible to immediately start the process of the accession negotiations of North Macedonia with the EU without further delays and without the possibility of blockades. Germany is on the side of North Macedonia and will strive to actively revive the European perspective of the Western Balkans, Germany’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Manuel Sarrazin said, who is paying an official visit Wednesday to Skopje. Sarrazin, at a joint press conference with his host Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj, said the door to the accession of North Macedonia in the EU with this proposal is wide open. To enter through this door, as he said, is not easy, but it is a decision of our politics and our country. “I know that this is a tough time for you and for people right now, but it is also a time that brings some hope within itself. I believe in Macedonian politics and people, and that together we will continue on the path to the EU. The attack of the Russian Federation attack on Ukraine shows how important it is to solve problems together, to organize, but also shows us that nothing offers as much security as being in European organizations, through European proposals,” Sarrazin noted. He said that he strives for enlargement and integration of the Western Balkans in the EU and therefore, as he said, we have support to move forward faster. “For me personally, it is very important that this process with North Macedonia happens, because it is in the interest of both your country and the EU,” Sarrazin added. According to him, this proposal is good because the demands of the Government of North Macedonia are taken into account and it foresees the process of accession negotiations to start immediately without delay. He pointed out that he understands that there are criticisms concerning the proposal, that there is a concern for own national identity, and he noted that it is very clear for Germany, but as he said, with this proposal, our identity is preserved. “North Macedonia can finally open the accession negotiations for which it has been fighting for 17 years by different parties and politicians. Now the moment has come. Now you should take the next step. The entire German Federal Government and I personally are advocating to actively revive the European perspective of the Western Balkans, and I think that in the coming days, North Macedonia could make a significant contribution. Germany is on the side of North Macedonia. We offer support to all political forces and we want together with you to reach the goal much faster,” Sarrazin added. He added that this deal should be accepted now, because he believes that we may not get the opportunity for a new deal that will be better than this one. “I understand that there is distrust towards the Bulgarian position. In Sofia, I heard that there is a trust towards position in Skopje. I cannot promise what will be the outcome from the elections in Bulgaria, but one thing is clear that everything that can be resolved now, should be resolved, because you need to protect yourself for more dangerous times. I am not sure that waiting now is wise. Germany and the EU will do everything to guarantee that North Macedonia's path to the EU will be open,” Sarrazin said.