Skopje, 20 November 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Zoran Ljutkov, and Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski are visiting Brussels on Thursday for the presentation of ‘Skopje - European Capital of Culture 2028.’

FM Mucunski, Minister of Culture and Tourism Zoran Ljutkov and Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski are set to meet Thursday afternoon with European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef.

In addition, Ljutkov and Gjorgjievski are scheduled to meet with Pia Arhenkilde Hansen, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC).

On Tuesday, ahead of today’s visit, Mucunski, Ljutkov, and Gjorgjievski met to coordinate their joint strategy and institutional presentation for ‘Skopje – European Capital of Culture 2028.’

“We are strengthening our strategy, developing precise communication, and building a common front with our European partners, because Skopje deserves a strong, dignified and modern presentation. This also shows that we remain fully committed to the processes, to our objectives, and to the European standards that guide us,” Gjorgjievski wrote on Facebook following the meeting.

He added that the meeting clearly shows that central and local authorities are aligned, working with a shared vision and energy to place Skopje ‘high on the European cultural map, where it belongs.’

“We move forward actively and responsibly, united by a common vision. We are strengthening Skopje’s path toward European practices and honouring our cultural future through hard work, dedication, and confidence that this story will become both successful and recognizable. Skopje 2028 is the future we are building together,” Gjorgjievski said.

Last night, Minister Mucunski attended an informal dinner hosted by EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas for the foreign ministers of the six EU candidate states from the Western Balkans.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkan partners in addressing global and regional challenges, including the need for timely and comprehensive assistance to Ukraine. The meeting reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to the region and confirmed that enlargement remains the most important geopolitical project for the stability and security of the European continent.

Mucunski met with EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Koss Wednesday afternoon in Brussels, where the country’s commitment to EU integration, ongoing reforms, and accession-related legislation was reaffirmed. The meeting focused on common security challenges and strengthening cooperation in security and defence.

Photo: Orce Gjorgjievski’s Facebook