Skopje, 9 May 2025 (MIA) - Difficult times can be an opportunity to draw right lessons, to turn to action and to make things better in the long run. This was exactly what the EU founding fathers did 75 years ago. This is exactly what the EU citizens require. This is exactly what the citizens of North Macedonia and especially the youth request. In my first nine months in the country, I have reached extensively to the youth, wherever I travelled. They were unanimous, they see no other future than becoming citizens of the EU family, said EU Ambassador Ambassador Michalis Rokas at yesterday’s Europe Day reception, held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Skopje.

At the reception, also attended by President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, ministers, mayors, deputies, ambassadors of EU member states and of other countries and media representatives, Ambassador noted that Europe Day this year took place less than two months after the unprecedented tragedy in Kochani, amid continuing geopolitical upheaval and also in times of joint commitment and tangible steps to make things better “for the country and for Europe as a whole.”

“This year we are marking 75 years of the Schuman Declaration. A vision born after the bloodiest war in the history of humankind, bringing former adversaries together and putting behind the disputes of the past. An idea that signalled a new era of peace, integration and democratic cooperation in Europe.”

“Today, this vision is fundamentally challenged by Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia has brought back terror and devastation resulting from military conflict on European soil, seeking to deprive Ukraine of parts of its territory and of the sovereign right to choose its own future. Russian attacks indiscriminately kill men, women and children in blatant violation of international law. In face of the aggression, the Ukrainian people have shown heroic bravery to defend their country, and by doing so, they are defending the freedom of all of Europe. We pay tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives and have lost loved ones in this struggle,” said Rokas concluding by saying the Ukrainian national salute “Slava Ukraini”.

The EU Ambassador said the Schuman Declaration at its heart contains the aspiration of working conjointly to achieving shared values, and solidarity-for the benefit of our citizens.

“Solidarity marks the venue of this reception. The international artistic community collected an impressive collection of artworks in solidarity with Skopje after the disastrous 1963 earthquake. They later found home in this remarkable edifice, built as part of the international solidarity action for physical reconstruction of the city. And solidarity marked the immediate aftermath of the most tragic event in the country’s recent history - the Kochani fire,” Rokas said recalling that tithin hours, 115 injured with severe burns were transported for treatment to EU Member States and partner countries.

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and rapid bilateral action in the moments of need, he said, have once again proven to be powerful instruments of European solidarity. “Rising above differences of any kind. And helping to save the lives of most of the injured – the only solace we can have after losing 62, mostly, young people.”

To provide additional help to the families in Kochani, a special exhibition of art works was organized. “This exhibition is made possible thanks to the initiative of the DLUM Association of Artists, whose members have generously contributed their incredible works for this meaningful cause. All of the artworks on display are available for sale, and every penny raised from these sales will go directly to supporting the Kochani families in need, through the Red Cross,” stated Rokas.

The EU Delegation together with its network of Europe Houses on 25 May are organising solidarity runs and hikes for Kochani in different towns around the country, he announced adding that all participants will have the opportunity to contribute a symbolic registration fee with all proceeds donated directly to a dedicated Red Cross account.

Touching on reforms in the country, Rokas said the Growth Plan represents a big incentive that the Growth Plan represents in that regard. “North Macedonia was the first country of the Western Balkans to sign the necessary agreements and obtain the pre-financing funds from the Growth Plan. Thanks to the Reform Agenda, developed with constructive engagement of two different governments and two different compositions of Parliament,” he stated.

The same commitment is needed in turning the Reform Agenda into a reality. That will enable the citizens and businesses to feel the benefits from EU membership before the accession, according to him.

“Bridging the gap in development, gradually accessing the EU Single Market and seeing tangible results on fundamentals – the rule of law and fighting corruption, including in the functioning of the institutions, in governance, in green transition and sustainable development - these are aspirations evidently the citizens and businesses want, as they eagerly want to see their country to become an EU member. This aspiration needs courage, pragmatism and national unity in order to be achieved,” he told attendees.

“Let's think boldly. Our Union has always been built by those who dared to think beyond the constraints of their time,” Ambassador Rokas said citing EU Commissioner Marta Kos, concluding: “This goes for everyone – the EU leaders, the political elites of the candidate countries, and for all our citizens.” ba/

Photo: EU Delegation