Skopje, 20 November 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Culture and Tourism, Zoran Ljutkov, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, and Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski, met with European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, in Brussels on Thursday. 

Talks focused on the ‘Skopje - European Capital of Culture 2028' project, and the delegation briefed Commissioner Micallef on the current situation, challenges and necessary steps to move the project forward. Ministers Ljutkov and Mucunski, alongside Mayor Gjorgjievski, presented the positions of the Government and the City of Skopje, regarding which they received clear support and understanding from the European Union representatives, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said in a press release. 

"We'd like to inform the Macedonian public that the project, unfortunately, has so far been completely blocked and managed contrary to legal regulations, especially in terms of the program contained in the so-called "Bid Book". Instead of following transparent and inclusive procedures, the project was run without consulting the relevant institutions, without aligning with national cultural policies and without substantial involvement of the cultural sector. This seriously damaged the credibility of the bid and threatened the possibility of Skopje being positioned as a true European cultural centre," Minister Ljutkov pointed out.

Following today's meeting and the established institutional coordination, reads the press release, the processes related to the project have been completely unblocked and brought back to legal and professional frameworks. The Government and the City of Skopje remain firmly committed to its implementation and will provide the earmarked funds of EUR 40 million over a period of four years.

The project is an opportunity for a fundamental transformation of Skopje - through the development of cultural infrastructure, strengthening community, supporting innovation and promoting European values. The implementation will be carried out in full transparency, accountability and active participation of all relevant stakeholders at national and international levels.

‘Skopje - European Capital of Culture 2028' is a vision for an open, modern and dynamic city that includes the community, encourages young people, supports artists and creates space for strong cultural exchange and cooperation. Our capital will be a worthy representative of Macedonia on the European cultural scene, the press release adds. 

Photo: Ministry of Culture and Tourism