The European Union is a cultural superpower, while the Macedonian culture participates and is a part of that process with its own contribution, said Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European affairs, Bojan Marichikj, at Wednesday’s open discussion in Bitola as part of the “We are Europe” campaign, informs news agency MIA.

In his address, the Deputy PM stressed “We are Europe – proud of our heritage, open to the world, with a strong desire for complete integration within the European Union with full-fledged membership. This for us, the Macedonians,” he stressed, “and for all other citizens of our motherland, is today the only way to be a part of the globalized world.”

“Our people chose the right union a long time ago – it is the Union of freedom, of democracy, of the rule of law, human rights, equality and dignity. It is the European Union. Probably no other place in the world has such cultural density as Europe. So much history, so many stories and cultures. And the Macedonian story as part of the European, of course. And again, thanks to the fundamental European values of equality and respect for the other, the European Union is safekeeping the age-old traditions of all people and communities on the continent. From that aspect, from the aspect of providing recognition, room and support for every cultural value that has arisen on European soil, the European Union is a cultural superpower, while the Macedonian culture participates and is a part of that process with its own contribution,” said Marichikj.

The event in Bitola will also be addressed by Minister of Culture, Bisera Kostadinovska Stojchevska, and the Czech Deputy Chief of Mission Andrea Steiner Votavová.