Category: News

Тhe Black Drim River in Struga became the stage for a truly unique musical experience. As part of the “Floating Concert – On the Drim” initiative, local musicians from different ethnic communities performed a 40-minute concert from boats, transforming the river into an extraordinary venue for a cultural event.

The initiative, conceived by Kosta Kostoski, aims to create a new platform for promoting local musicians while encouraging creative collaboration, intercultural exchange, and a fresh way of experiencing public spaces. The concert took place from sunset into the evening hours, creating a distinctive atmosphere that attracted a large audience along the banks of the Black Drim.

The performers included Kosta Kostoski, Andrej Niceski, Artan Zhuta, Bojan Krstinovski, Almir Bajramoski, David Popovski, Aleksandra, Menda Shei, Vladimir Mojsovski, and Tomislav Nestoroski.

As a supporter of local initiatives that bring together culture, community, and public space, Europe House Struga organised the event, offering audiences a new way to experience music while enriching the city’s summer cultural programme.

A key role in the event’s implementation was played by Solaris Sports Club, which provided all on-water logistics. Support from the Municipality of Struga and AD ESM – Branch HPP “Black Drim” made it possible for the river itself to become the stage for this authentic musical experience.

The Floating Concert on the Drim is an excellent example of how natural heritage, local creativity, and collaborative efforts can come together to create a cultural event that celebrates the local music scene, enhances Struga’s tourism offer, and promotes the Black Drim River as a vibrant venue for contemporary cultural experiences.

As part of the national “Wear the Change” caravan, initiated by the Delegation of the European Union, the embassies of the European Union Member States (Team Europe), and the Europe House Network, the panel discussion “The Empty Chair: Women in Politics” was held yesterday at Europe House Tetovo.

The event opened a discussion on the underrepresentation of women in political decision-making positions and the gap between legal provisions and their implementation in practice. Although electoral legislation requires that at least 40 percent of candidates on electoral lists are women, the current Government includes only three female ministers, while just four of the country’s 81 municipalities are led by women mayors.

The discussion was moderated by Andrea Ugrinoska, Executive Director of Tiiiit! Inc., and featured Member of Parliament Monika Zajkova, H.E. Özlem Canel, Ambassador of the Netherlands, and H.E. Petra Drexler, Ambassador of Germany. The panelists shared their personal and professional experiences, as well as European practices that promote greater participation of women in political life.

 

The discussion highlighted that quotas alone are not sufficient if women do not have genuine access to leadership positions and decision-making processes. The panelists also emphasized the importance of support from families, mentors and allies, while encouraging women to have confidence in their ability to lead.

The event attracted significant interest from the local community, with students, young people and activists actively participating in the discussion. The key message was that the “empty chair” is not the result of a lack of capable women, but rather of systemic and societal barriers that continue to limit women’s equal access to political power.

The “Wear the Change” caravan continues across several cities in North Macedonia, creating spaces for public dialogue on gender equality, civic participation and equal representation in decision-making processes.

During May and June 2026, the Europe House Network and the Delegation of the European Union marked Europe Day with a rich programme of cultural, educational, environmental and youth-focused activities across several cities in the country.

The central celebration, “Enjoy Europe in City Park”, took place on 9 May, where visitors enjoyed a wide range of activities – from an eco-business market, flea market, local food and activities organised by EU Member States, to a full-day music programme. The celebrations began in Bitola with a concert by the FAME’S Orchestra and continued with a performance by Funk Shui under the title “Enjoy Europe with Music”.

In Veles, through the “Growing Together” initiative, more than 3,000 seedlings were planted in the area surrounding Lake Mladost, while in Tetovo, the event “Enjoy Europe with a Book” brought together literature enthusiasts through a book fair, author talks and activities for children. In Štip, organised by Europe House Strumica, young people from the region had the opportunity to explore the educational and professional opportunities offered by the European Union, while Struga hosted the cross-border cycling tour “Enjoy Europe on the Move” around Lake Ohrid, connecting North Macedonia and Albania through sport and cooperation.

The Europe Day 2026 programme engaged more than 6,200 participants across the country and was supported by numerous partners, embassies of EU Member States and local communities. The activities also generated significant interest on digital platforms, reaching more than 3.4 million social media views and over 25,000 interactions. The celebrations received extensive media coverage as well, with more than 50 online articles, 11 television reports and 46 radio broadcasts, further increasing the visibility of European values and initiatives throughout the country.

Through music, books, environmental action, youth participation and local initiatives, Europe Day 2026 once again demonstrated that European values are built through togetherness, active engagement and cooperation within local communities.

Преку велосипедизам кој поврза три града и две држави, детска смеа и музика, мали бизниси, креативни работилници, улични изведувачи и акробати, Струга овој викенд беше домаќин на завршната активност од програмата за Денот на Европа 2026. Настанот ја заокружи серијата настани што во текот на мај и почетокот на јуни се одржаа во повеќе градови низ земјата, под мотото „Наша Европа.” и Посилни заедно“, со порака до граѓаните да ја почувствуваат Европа во својот град.

Преку прекугранична велосипедска тура околу Охридското Езеро велосипедисти, институции, партнери и гости ја поминаа рутата Струга, Поградец, Охрид, Струга, носејќи порака за одржлива мобилност, активен животен стил, прекугранична соработка и отворени јавни простори што им припаѓаат на граѓаните.

Настанот беше организиран од Јуроп хаус и Делегацијата на Европската У

нија во Северна Македонија, во соработка со Јуроп хаус и Делегацијата на Европската Унија во Албанија, заедно со Општина Струга, Општина Поградец и Општина Охрид.

Во текот на денот, паралелно со велосипедската тура, Паркот на поезијата во Струга стана едно од најживите места во градот. Во велосипедската тура учествуваа и претставници на амбасадите на земјите членки на Европската Унија, предводени од Бен Нупнау, заменик-шеф на Делегацијата на Европската Унија во Северна Македонија, словенечкиот амбасадор Грегор Прескер и неговиот тим од Амбасадата на Словенија, Матијас Хуменбергер, заменик амбасадор на Австрија, како и претставници од Амбасадата на Словачка и Делегацијата на Европската Унија. За време на активностите во паркот, граѓаните имаа можност да уживаат во базарот на мали бизниси, детската програма, креативните работилници, друштвените игри, музика и ди-џеј сет, улични изведувачи и акробати. Програмата беше создадена како отворена покана за сите генерации, за семејства, деца

, млади, локални креативци и посетители кои сакаа да поминат ден во духот на дружење, радост и европски вредности.

Заменик-шефот на Делегацијата на Европската Унија во Северна Македонија, Бен Нупнау, истакна: „Оваа велосипедска тура го носи духот на Европа: отворена, инклузивна и секогаш во движење напред. Таа нè потсетува дека сме дел од истото патување и дека кога се движиме и педалираме заедно, можеме да постигнеме извонредни работи. Со изборот на две тркала наместо четири, покажуваме дека малите, одржливи избори можат да донесат големи промени за нашето здравје, нашата планета и нашите заедници. Од Струга, преку Поградец и Охрид, па назад до Струга, ова не е само тура околу езеро, туку круг на пријателство, соработка и заедничка посветеност на „Наша Европа“, во која сме „Посилни заедно““

Во реализацијата на програмата во Струга значајна улога имаше Општина Струга, со силна поддршка во создавањето на ова заедничко случување за градот. Во активностите беа вклучени и партнерите Здружение АКВА, “Youth for Struga”, ИНКА, ПХВ на Црвен крст Струга и Дуќан, а за музичката атмосфера се погрижи “Rootboy Selector”.

Градоначалникот на Општина Струга, Менди Ќура, истакна дека Струга е жив пример за европските вредности во секојдневниот живот. „Струга е жив доказ дека овие вредности не се само теорија. Струга е град во кој различните култури, јазици и традиции не нè разделуваат, туку нè прават посилни. Град во кој соживотот е начин на живот, а не само слоган. Стружани ја сакаат Европа, затоа што Европа сме самите ние, во начинот на кој се почитуваме едни со други, во начинот на кој соработуваме и ја градиме иднината за нашите деца“, изјави градоначалникот Ќура.

Како дел од прославата беше отворена и изложбата „Еуро Вело: Најдобрите европски рути за велосипедски патувања“, посветена на европската мрежа на велосипедски рути и промоцијата на одржлива мобилност и активен туризам. Изложените фотографии се дело на фотографот и велосипедист Симон Тред и се преземени од проектот https://www.cyclingthread.com/CyclingThread платформа посветена на велосипедски патувања и рути низ Европа и светот.

Со завршниот настан во Струга, Јуроп хаус ја заокружи програмата за Денот на Европа 2026, која низ мај и почетокот на јуни донесе активности во повеќе градови. Дел од програмата беа и #TeamEurope, или поточно амбасадите на земјите членки на Европската Унија во Северна Македонија.

Во Скопје, Градскиот парк беше претворен во вистински европски простор преку настанот „Уживај ја Европа во градскиот парк“, со еко-бизниси, саем на цвеќе, “slow food”, маалски бувљак, “food corner”, игри на отворено од земјите членки на ЕУ и целодневна музичка програма. Во Велес, преку активноста „Растеме заедно“, волонтери, студенти, граѓани и амбасадори заедно садеа дрвја во опожареното подрачје околу езерото Младост. Во Битола, платото пред Јуроп хаус беше исполнето со музика преку концертот на отворено на Фанк Шуи, како дел од програмата „Уживај ја Европа со музика“.

Европската приказна продолжи и во Тетово, каде што настанот „Уживај ја Европа со книга“ донесе саем на книгата, панел-дискусии, размена на книги, музика во живо и детска програма. Во Штип, младинскиот настан „Откриј ги можностите“ понуди саем за студирање, мобилност и музичка програма, со фокус на младите и нивните идни можности.

Сите овие активности беа дел од заедничката програма на Јуроп хаус, предводена од Делегацијата на Европската Унија во Северна Македонија, со поддршка на #TeamEurope. Преку култура, спорт, екологија, книги, музика, младинско учество и локални иницијативи, Денот на Европа 2026 беше одбележан како месец на отворени настани, локална соработка и заеднички европски вредности.

Од Скопје, Велес, Битола, Тетово, Штип, Охрид, Кочани и Гевгелија, па сè до завршниот настан во Струга, пораката беше иста: Европа не се слави само на еден ден. Таа се гради секојдневно, преку луѓето, градовите, идеите и заедничките активности што нè прават посилни заедно.

More than 3,000 new seedlings were planted in the fire-affected area near Lake “Mladost” in Veles, sending a strong message that Europe Day is also marked through concrete care for nature, the community and the future. The joint action “Our Europe, Growing Together” brought together pupils, students and volunteers, alongside diplomats from the European Union, the Municipality of Veles, civil society organisations, partners and members of the local community.

The action took place yesterday as part of the Europe Day celebrations, with the aim of restoring the damaged forest belt near Lake “Mladost”. Through collective planting efforts, participants made a direct contribution to the restoration of the area and sent a message of solidarity, responsibility and shared care for the environment.

The engagement of young people in this initiative was of particular importance, demonstrating their readiness to actively participate in nature protection and in creating a greener future. The action encouraged cooperation between institutions, youth, civil society organisations and the local community, transforming the celebration of Europe Day into a visible and meaningful activity on the ground.

The initiative was carried out with expert on-site support from the Public Enterprise National Forests, Veles branch, where participants received guidance on proper planting techniques, seedling types and the importance of reforestation for the restoration and protection of the local ecosystem.

The event was opened by Martin Schroeder, Deputy Head of the Political Section at the Delegation of the European Union, in the presence of Vilma Dambruskiene, Ambassador of Lithuania, Slovak Ambassador Iveta Hricova, representatives from the Embassy of Greece and the Mayor of the Municipality of Veles, Marko Kolev.

The action was part of the broader Europe Day programme through which the Delegation of the European Union, the EU Member States and the Europe House network are bringing the spirit of “Our Europe” to several cities across the country.

Through this initiative, Veles sent a message that caring for nature begins with collective action. The planted seedlings are a legacy that will remain for future generations and represent a long-term investment in a cleaner environment, a stronger local community and a greener future.

FROM SKOPJE CITY PARK TO MANY CITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THE EU CELEBRATES “EUROPE DAY 2026”

On the occasion of May 9, Europe Day, the Delegation of the European Union and Europe House network are organizing a variety of cultural, youth, educational and environmental events in several cities across the country this year.

The celebration begins on May 4 in Bitola with the “Cinema Classics” concert of the FAMES orchestra, at which young musicians will perform film music as part of the “Creative Europe” program, and the program continues on May 7 in Ohrid with a humanitarian race that unites young people around sports and solidarity.

The central celebration of Europe Day will be held in Skopje City Park on May 9, starting at 11 a.m. and lasting until 6 p.m. During the day, the park will be transformed into a space with zones for local flavors, green initiatives, sustainable ideas and outdoor games organized by the embassies of the European Union member states, followed by a full-day musical program by “Shkolka”, where Eureka Dance Company, Dina Jashari, Zvada, Conquering Lion, Dafunk and Double G will perform, as well as DJ’s Emily Nas and Martina Peneva.

On May 9 and 10, there will also be activities in Kocani, where under the motto “Color Kocani” a youth initiative will create a mural in a public space. In addition, from May 15 to 17, the city will also host “Open Air Cinema”, a series of film screenings that will bring the art of film closer to the youth of Kocani.

On May 12, the “Growing Together” campaign will be held at Lake Mladost in Veles, during which volunteers, students, citizens and ambassadors will plant 2,500 seedlings in an area affected by fires.

On May 14, Funk Shui will peform an open-air concert in Bitola, transforming the plateau in front of Europe House into a space for music, socializing and a festival atmosphere.

On May 16, a cross-border bicycle tour around Lake Ohrid will be organized, connecting Struga, Ohrid and Pogradec in a symbolic tour that combines nature, youth and cross-border cooperation.

On May 19, Europe House Tetovo will host the “Enjoy Europe with a Book” fair, with the participation of publishing houses, talks with Macedonian and Albanian authors, book exchange, a musical program and content for the youngest.

On May 21, “Discover the Possibilities” will be held in Shtip, a youth event that opens up space for new opportunities, studies, mobility and innovation.

The program will end on May 23 in Gevgelija with “Youth Wave 2026”, a one-day event that will feature a youth skills forum, a local entrepreneurship fair, a startup lab and a creative youth scene.

From music and books, to eco-actions, film and youth initiatives, this year’s program turns Europe Day into a celebration that will be experienced across the country. All events will be open to the public, and more information about the program will be published daily on the social media of the Europe House network.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 01 APRIL 2026

The Delegation of the European Union, Europe House and the Faculty of Philology “Blaže Koneski” –
Skopje are pleased to announce the Competition for the best student translation award and student
residency for literary translation “Babylon – New Generation” 2026.

The call is open to all university students (not older than 27 years of age) who, at the time of
application, are enrolled in at least the third year of studies at any of the faculties in the country.
Candidates should apply for the competition with a translation from one of the 24 official languages
of the European Union, into any of the languages spoken in the country.

More about the call (EN BABYLON – New Generation 2026)

A panel discussion in Skopje brought together representatives of the civil society, academia, the business community and institutions to examine the structural economic disadvantages faced by women in our country and the financial impact of gender inequality on society.

The event, titled “Who Pays the Bill? The Price of Inequality”, was held at Europe House Skopje and marked the launch of the “Bring the Change” campaign and national roadshow. The discussion focused on the economic consequences of gender inequality across the entire life cycle, from education and entry into the labor market to career development, entrepreneurship, family care and retirement.

The event was opened by Ben Nupnau, Acting Ambassador of the EU Delegation, who welcomed the attendees and officially launched the initiative. The panel discussion addressed the fact that gender inequality, while often treated as a social issue, is also a systemic economic imbalance with measurable financial consequences. Participants discussed how inequality affects women’s living incomes, pension security, household stability, business competitiveness and the country’s economic growth.

The panel brought together diverse perspectives and was moderated by Kristina Hadzi-Vasileva, a strategic development consultant. Panelists included Nikica Kusinikova from KSO Konekt, Biljana Petrovska-Mitrevska from NFF and Makedonka Dimitrova, a university professor and entrepreneur.

The discussion addressed the economic cost of gender inequality, the value of unpaid care work and the consequences of the gender pay gap and career breaks. Participants also discussed structural barriers that limit women’s economic advancement, such as work culture, access to childcare and unequal property ownership, as well as the role of legislation and corporate standards in reducing these gaps. The debate concluded with a discussion of possible solutions and the responsibilities of institutions, the business sector and society.

The event also marked the launch of the “Wear the Change” campaign, an annual initiative led by Europe House, the Delegation to the European Union and the embassies of EU member states. The campaign focuses on structural inequality and the burden of unpaid work carried out by women. Although launched in the framework of the celebration of International Women’s Day, the initiative will keep the topic in focus throughout the year through a series of debates, workshops, cultural events and public discussions organized across the Europe House network.