Skopje, 8 July 2026 (MIA) – EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska and Deputy PM and Minister of European Affairs, Bekim Sali visited Wednesday the reconstruction site of the Stiv Naumov student dormitory in Skopje, a project financed with the support of the European Union and international partners.

Kos said that the reconstruction of the student dormitory is a clear demonstration of the support the European Union provides to North Macedonia on its path towards EU membership, stressing that education, student living standards and energy efficiency are among the Union’s priorities.

“This project is a clear demonstration of our commitment to supporting North Macedonia on its path towards the European Union. Education and student living standards are essential for the future of every country, and we are happy to contribute to this field. Our cooperation with the government and local institutions will continue and I look forward to seeing more projects like this completed in the future. I hope that after this project is completed, I will be able to come back, visit the site and talks with the students,” Kos said.

Speaking about the European integration process, Kos said that according to the latest polls, more than 80 percent of citizens of North Macedonia support the European Union.

"I am sorry for the long journey your country has had to go through, but I believe we should look towards the future. If we all work to achieve the vision of North Macedonia becoming a member of the European Union, my team and I will do our utmost to accompany you on this path towards that goal," EU Commissioner Kos said.

Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska said that the reconstruction of the Stiv Naumov dormitory and another student dormitory in central Skopje is expected to be completed this year, after which both facilities will be put into use for students.

Janevska noted that, with support from the European Union, the German Development Bank and the Regional Energy Efficiency Centre, €86 million has been secured for the renovation of nine student dormitories and seven resource centres for students with special educational needs.

“All of these are part of 16 infrastructure projects aimed at improving education and raising student standards, which is a priority this government is committed to,” Janevska said, expressing hope that cooperation with international partners will continue.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs Bekim Sali said the reconstruction is proof of successful cooperation with the European Union and the country’s commitment to the European integration process.

"This is an investment and proof of the cooperation we have established, as well as the state’s commitment to fulfilling all the criteria and necessary steps for integrating our country into the European Union. Thanks to this, we secured a grant, or financial support, for capital investments such as the Stiv Naumov student dormitory," Sali said.

He added that the Government will continue investing in student infrastructure and other capital projects with the support of European partners.

Photo: MIA