Skopje, 6 May 2026 (MIA) - Past developments, key events in history, primarily those related to the formation of the European Union, which put an end to a dark World War II period, should serve as lessons for the present and the future of this country, the region and beyond, heard a panel discussion on the EU's foundation and what it means today, part of the series "Dialogue on History and Strategy", hosted by the National History Institute in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS).

The discussion focused on EU's history and its original strategic objective, the role of history in shaping today's European security structure, the challenges that the EU is facing in an environment of heigthened geopolitical competition, lessons learned and their use in preventing future conflicts, as well as the polisition of small states in the modern global order.

National History Institute director Mitko Panov said the discussions aim to raise the awareness on past events serving as lessons for the present and the future.

"We want to highlight the fact that history is part of what is happening to us today. Today's discussion about EU's foundation wants to send a message that history can teach us how to improve societies, lead to better understanding among nations, how to avoid disasters and wars," said Panov.

He added that EU was founded in order to overcome antagonism among states and nations at that time, adding that the project should further develop and integrate all countries in the region, including Macedonia.

Daniel Braun, KAS Head of Office in North Macedonia and Kosovo, said EU's foundation traced the path to reconcilliation in Europe after World War II.

"We are a political foundation named after one of EU's founders. Adenauer's contribution and commitment to the project was a generator for the Union that presently has 27 members. It is very interesting to see more closely what hapenned at that time, how century-old conflicts between neighbors were overcome, making their current borders lines of connectivity rather than separation," said Braun.

Italian Ambassador Paolo Palminteri said that May is the month of Europe and the event aims to raise awareness about the Union's importance, considering the fact that people of different countries initiated the idea of a union based on the principles of solidarity, freedom and equality during the darkest time in history.

"This idea of a pan-European union lay in the core of the resistance movement in Italy. We should remain faithful to these values. I believe there is another important principle that should be respected - openness to other countries. Enlargement is another principle that finds itself in the very essence of the EU. All Union members bring something new, their tradition, their geostrategic interests, their economy," said Ambassador Palminteri.

Spanish Ambassador Rafael Soriano Ortiz said history is something that builds identity and it should be studied, but it should be left to the historians, with diplomats focusing on the opportunities and the potentials.

"In 2026, Spain is marking 40 years since joining the EU. It took more than 10 years of negotiating, but let me assure you, there is a period before and after membership. The European project is a generator of well-being for the country, the nation, the citizens," noted Ambassador Ortiz.

Taking the example of Spain and the benefits for the country following its EU accession, Ortiz added there is no better option for North Macedonia than to follow the EU path and join the Union as soon as possible.

Photo: MIA