Skopje – Challenging times can serve as a catalyst for meaningful lessons, prompt decisive action, and foster long-term improvements. This was the vision that inspired the founders of the EU 75 years ago and is the demand of EU citizens today, including the youth of North Macedonia. During my first nine months in the country, I have consistently met with young people eager for a future as part of the EU family, stated Michalis Rokas, the EU ambassador, at a reception celebrating May 9 – Europe Day, held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Skopje.
The reception was attended by President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, ministers, mayors, members of parliament, ambassadors from EU member states and beyond, and representatives from the media. Ambassador Rokas highlighted that this year’s Europe Day comes on the heels of the unprecedented tragedy in Kochani, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, yet also reflects our collective commitment and tangible progress towards improving conditions both for North Macedonia and Europe as a whole.
– We are commemorating 75 years since the Schuman Declaration – a vision born from the ashes of the bloodiest conflict in human history. It united former foes, enabling them to move beyond past disputes and fostering a new era of peace, integration, and democratic cooperation in Europe. Today, this vision faces fundamental challenges due to Russia’s aggressive war in Ukraine. Russia has reintroduced terror and destruction to European soil, seeking to seize parts of Ukraine’s territories and denying its right to self-determination. The indiscriminate nature of Russian attacks violates international law and results in the tragic loss of innocent lives. In the face of this aggression, the Ukrainian people have displayed remarkable bravery, defending their nation and, by extension, the freedom of all of Europe. We honor those who have laid down their lives and mourned loved ones in this fight. Glory to Ukraine!, said Rokas.
He reaffirmed that the essence of the Schuman Declaration is rooted in collaborative efforts to achieve shared values and solidarity for the benefit of all citizens.
In his remarks, he also addressed the ongoing reforms within North Macedonia, noting that the Growth Plan significantly advances this process. The ambassador pointed out that North Macedonia was the first country in the Western Balkans to sign necessary agreements and secure pre-financing from the Growth Plan, attributed to the Reform Agenda crafted through the collaborative efforts of two different governments and parliamentary compositions.
– The same level of commitment is required to realize the Reform Agenda. This will enable citizens and businesses to experience the benefits of EU membership even before formal accession, emphasized Rokas.
He highlighted that these benefits include bridging developmental gaps, gradual access to the EU Single Market, and tangible progress in fundamental values such as the rule of law and the fight against corruption. This also encompasses improvements in institutional functioning, governance, green transitions, and sustainable development, all of which citizens and businesses are eager to see as North Macedonia strives for EU membership.
– Achieving these ambitions necessitates courage, pragmatism, and national unity. As Commissioner Marta Kos recently stated, “let’s think boldly,” because “our Union has always been built by those who dared to transcend the limitations of their time.” This call to action resonates with everyone – EU leaders, political elites in candidate countries, and all citizens, concluded EU ambassador Michalis Rokas at the reception for Europe Day organized in collaboration with the European Investment Bank. (May 9, 2025)
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