Ohrid, 18 January 2023 (MIA) – We believe strongly in the importance of Ohrid for its natural beauty and its enormous cultural heritage. But we also understand that Ohrid needs to be a city which is offering opportunities and jobs not least for its young people, said EU Ambassador David Geer who together with the EU heads of mission visited Ohrid on Wednesday and were acquitted with the implementation of several EU-funded projects.

And that’s why, Geer added, we are working with many different groups, with central government, with locality, with civil society, with businesses, in order to promote Ohrid.

“And help Ohrid meet the responsibilities to ensure that this beauty and wonderful heritage is preserved together with UNESCO and at the same time to help develop the city to have the kind of possibilities,” Geer said after the presentation of Kasarna Hub project.

He expressed his satisfaction that the EU supported a feasibility study that will determine how this space can be used to provide services to citizens.

“This is a public space and it is important to preserve a public space and make sure it’s used for the public. Secondly, there is innovation, there are plenty of people in the city and in the country, particularly young people who have very good ideas about ways in which economy can be more competitive, ways in which to create jobs and we are looking in how this space can also be used for innovation,” Geer said.

“It’s about listening to what the local people have to say, because local people know the environment and often know how the great ideas is how best to used that environment. And that’s why we are particularly pleased to supporting Kasarna Hub which has been opened since last July and which is already proving itself to be a leading centre of innovation,” Geer said, expressing hope that the local authorities, together with civil society, businesses and young people, will jointly cooperate, will join together to make this center a success story.

Earlier, the EU heads of mission visited the Galichica National Park, where the officials presented the process of realization of EU-funded projects, and they also saw a presentation of the equipment and work of the mountain rescue service of the Red Cross – Ohrid, supported by the EU.

The EU heads of mission also met the Ohrid mayor Kiril Pecakov who were introduced to current and future projects that could be supported by the Union.

“The most significant project was the construction of a sewage system and wastewater treatment plant in Trpejca village. I have presented our engagements in the development and implementation of the projects, among which are the preservation of the authentic appearance of the central city area, for which we have planned unified urban equipment, for which financial resources have already been provided in the budget of the Municipality of Ohrid. I introduced them to the procedure for the reconstruction of the Chinar Tree square and the development of the project for the reconstruction of the city square “St. Clement of Ohrid,” Pecakov said.

Regarding the protection of Lake Ohrid, he said that the negotiations with a company from an EU member state, which will invest in Ohrid in the production of solar energy vessels, electric motors and solar energy engines intended for vessels, have been completed.

The Ohrid mayor also introduced them to the municipality’s commitment to preserving its UNESCO status through specific projects, such as the operation of the Ohrid Watershed Management Plan and the commitment to adopt a new General Urban Plan that will be in accordance with the Ohrid Management Plan.