Skopje, 9 May 2026 (MIA) - The Delegation of the European Union in the country is hosting Saturday an event marking Europe Day in the Skopje City Park. The event, which is open to all citizens, was officially kicked off by the Ambassador of the European Union, Michalis Rokas, with a brief speech.

In addition to the EU Ambassador, the event was visited by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs Bekim Sali, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski, Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski, and ambassadors of EU member states.

“Today we celebrate Europe Day together with the citizens of Skopje. We want to discuss with them, mingle, show what Europe has to offer. But more importantly it is what North Macedonia is offering to us. We are working very, very hard to bring you into the European family, but it is important that the citizens they accompany us and they are helping us all the way,” Rokas said. 

The Ambassador also spoke about European Council President António Costa’s message addressed to the citizens in which he referred to the country as “a future EU member state”.

“This is significant and he sent a strong message of solidarity, support, resolve, to overcome the last hurdles and move towards the EU accession,” Rokas said. 

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs Bekim Sali said European integration remains a strategic priority for the Government and Europe Day represents a symbol of unity, solidarity, and a shared European perspective for the citizens of North Macedonia.

“Integration is not just a political statement, a political commitment, it also requires greater social and institutional consolidation, and we are working hard on this,” Sali said. Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski told journalists Europe Day is a reminder that Europe was built not on the basis of force and division, but on reconciliation, vision, and shared hope for a better future.  

“The City of Skopje must be a driver of positive changes, a city that will unite and create, a city that will serve as an example for how European policies translate into real policies and concrete results,” the Mayor said.

Officials visited the thematic zones at the event dedicated to promoting local products, sustainable economy, and creative initiatives backed by the EU. 

The Europe Day event in the Skopje City Park features a variety of games, food stalls, eco-friendly workshops, and live musical performances. 

The Europe Day 2026 program is being organized under the slogan “Our Europe. Stronger Together” by the Delegation of the European Union, the Europe House network, and embassies of EU member states.

Photo: MIA/Ministry of European Affairs