Skopje, 9 May 2026 (MIA) - Europe was built on a promise: freedom, equality, and democracy. Today, in a world of rising conflicts and economic pressures, we must defend these values at home and abroad, said the Ambassador of the European Union, Michalis Rokas, in his address Saturday at an event marking May 9 – Victory over Fascism Day and Europe Day in Skopje.

Europe Day, according to the Ambassador, is also the day to underline the strategic importance of the European Union enlargment for ensuring long-term peace, security, and prosperity across the continent.

“An enlarged EU means greater geopolitical resilience, strengthened energy interdependence, better food security, and bigger weight for our shared values in this turbulent world. Finally, this is the day to recall that unity and determination made the European Union withstand the test of turbulent times. We have been doing this throughout the decades and we are doing it now,” Rokas said.

The Ambassador shared a message from the President of the European Council, António Costa, who, he said, called the country a future member of the EU and sent a message of unity, resolve, and determination.

“We know that together with the help of all of you and with the ongoing reforms, we will manage to do this decisive step forward to bring the country where it belongs – in the European Union family,” the EU Ambassador stressed. 

In his speech, Rokas said May 9 marks the end of the bloodiest conflict in the humanity’s history and the beginning of a new era for the European continent founded on the vision of French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman.

“So today, we honor the courage of those who fought in World War II and the sacrifice of those who fell. We remember not just the end of the war, but the birth of the European Union. The most powerful tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in this war lies not only in remembrance but also in resolve, in our determination to stand together and say clearly and firmly, 'never again',” Rokas stressed.

According to the Ambassador, May 9 is also an occasion to recall the lessons learned from the long history of conflicts in Europe, especially, he said, against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, and renew the commitment to the ideals of the EU’s founding fathers, which, he said, have been fundamentally challenged by the war.

“It is also the day to honor the Ukrainian people's bravery in defending their country and the freedom for all of us in Europe, and to call for a just and lasting end to this war, providing strong guarantees to prevent future aggression and upholding Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. This is not only for Ukraine, but for Europe and the European Union as a whole, and it is very important. And I also want to commend and congratulate North Macedonia, that has shown exemplary support for Ukraine throughout the years of aggression,” said Ambassador Rokas, who laid flowers at the monument to the liberators of Skopje after his speech.

Photo: Government/MIA