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“The Harvest Without Her Name” at Europe House Strumica: A Discussion on Rural Women and Their Unseen Labour

Posted on by Irena Hristov

More than 38,000 women in North Macedonia are registered as farmers, yet many lack equal access to financial security, maternity leave, health insurance and social security protection. These challenges were at the heart of yesterday’s panel discussion, “The Harvest Without Her Name: Rural Women and Unseen Labour,” held at Europe House Strumica.

The event was organised as part of the “Wear the Change” campaign, launched by the Delegation of the European Union and EU Member State embassies united under #TeamEurope. The discussion provided a space to address systemic and institutional barriers, as well as the prejudices and inequalities that prevent rural women from fully exercising their rights.

Women farmers play a vital role in food production and the rural economy, while also bearing much of the responsibility for household and care work. Yet their labour and contributions often remain unrecognised within formal economic and institutional frameworks. Access to property and land is a particular concern: in 2021, only 4.1% of women in rural areas were registered as property owners, while women account for just 12% of landowners nationwide.

The discussion explored the reasons behind these inequalities, including inheritance practices. Although daughters have a legal right to inherit, they often give up their share in favour of their brothers. This is influenced by long-standing traditions and the expectation that, after marriage, a daughter will “belong to another family.”

The panel featured Veronica Ioana Ciolca, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Romania; Lejla Rajkova, an advocate for rural women’s rights and local agriculture; and Liljana Jonovski, an associate professor at the Faculty of Law in Kičevo and an expert on women’s participation in public life, with a focus on rural areas. The discussion was moderated by Andrea Ugrinovska of Tiiiit! Inc., Skopje.

The panellists examined the challenges faced by women living and working in rural areas, the implementation of existing laws and the support mechanisms available to them. They also discussed Romania’s experience as a country with a significant share of its workforce employed in agriculture, as well as the European Union’s role in advancing the rights of rural women.

The conversation also addressed the social and cultural barriers that persist despite existing legal protections, and explored how institutions and communities can help create equal opportunities. The audience joined the discussion during a question-and-answer session following the panel.

The central message was clear: the contributions of women farmers must be recognised and matched by equal rights and greater security. Ensuring access to property, health and social insurance, and employment-related rights is an important step towards a fairer and more sustainable society.

Through the “Wear the Change” campaign caravan, the Delegation of the European Union, EU Member State embassies and the Europe House network continue to encourage public conversations about gender equality and women’s rights across the country.

Silence Won’t Stop Bullying: A Youth Workshop at Europe House Veles

Posted on by Irena Hristov

What does bullying look like from different perspectives? And what happens when we switch roles and put ourselves in someone else’s shoes?

To mark World Mental Health Day, high school students at Europe House Veles explored different roles in bullying situations through an interactive game called “Spectrum of Impact.”

Led by psychologists from Altera Kognicija, students from Kočo Racin Secondary School in Veles analysed different scenarios of peer bullying. They discussed the role of the person who bullies, the pain experienced by the person targeted, and the responsibility of those who witness it.

“What made this session special was the students’ energy, openness and willingness to reflect. They were ready to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and recognise that behind every action is a person, and behind every group dynamic are relationships, influences and choices,” said psychologist Ile Mahlijanov.

We asked the young participants one question: “What lies behind bullying?” Their brief answers reminded us that bullying is not always obvious. An apparently harmless joke, silence or a situation where nobody steps in can conceal someone’s pain, often left unnoticed.

The workshop highlighted that bullying is not only a problem for the person experiencing it. It is a challenge for the whole community. When bystanders stay silent, bullying continues. But one voice of support can be the first step towards change. Instead of standing by, we can choose to recognise bullying, speak up and support those who need help.

The workshop series will continue in the coming period, involving different groups of students and organisations. These sessions will give young people space to discuss important issues, better understand other people’s feelings and perspectives, encourage positive change and help prevent bullying.

We cannot stop bullying if we remain silent. It takes courage, understanding, empathy and solidarity.

Running for Equality: Europe House and Women Power Cup at the Skopje Marathon

Posted on by Irena Hristov

Sport is not only about competition. It is also a space for equal opportunities, confidence and inclusion.

With this in mind, Europe House joined forces with Women Power Cup to take part in the 22nd edition of the Wizz Air Skopje Marathon through the “Wear the Change” initiative – standing alongside women and girls who take part in sport, compete, inspire others and constantly push their limits.

The joint marathon participation was part of the activities with which Europe House marked the European Week of Sport, which began on 23 September and brought a range of sports activities and initiatives across the country, highlighting that sport is for everyone – regardless of age, gender or ability.

More Than a Race

Running a marathon takes endurance, discipline and determination. But sport is about more than what happens at the starting or finishing line. It is about building healthy habits, making a commitment, establishing a routine and choosing to make sport part of everyday life.

The Europe House team and athletes from Women Power Cup in Kochani came together at the Skopje Marathon to highlight the importance of greater inclusion and gender equality in sport. We want to encourage more girls and women to discover sport as a space for personal growth, connection and new achievements.

Women Power Cup brought the energy of women’s sport, movement and female strength – both on the field and in society. And through “Wear the Change” – an initiative of the Delegation of the European Union and the Europe House network – we create space for dialogue, new ideas and progress towards greater gender equality.

Equality Through Sport

At the country’s largest sporting event, a record 15,050 participants from 63 countries took part this year across the marathon, half-marathon and “EU for Sport” relay race. Among those who completed the marathon, 77 were women, compared with 518 men.

These figures show that women are still underrepresented in sport, but greater participation can help make women’s presence more visible and encourage others to follow.

Because in a marathon, as in any other sport, every step matters. And progress happens when we choose to keep moving forward.

Through its year-round “Wear the Change” initiative and its participation in the Skopje Marathon, Europe House once again underlined the importance of staying active, supporting women in sport and creating a space where everyone has the chance to participate, compete and grow.

Join in. Take the next step forward. Wear the Change.

GEN Z SPEAKS: How Young People Are Shaping Language in the Digital Age

Posted on by Irena Hristov

Language is constantly evolving. Each new generation brings its own words, expressions and ways of communicating. From slang and memes to voice messages, abbreviations and mixing languages in a single sentence – does this signal a “decline” in language, or simply show that language is alive and always changing?

We explored this question at GEN Z SPEAKS, a student panel discussion held at Europe House Skopje as part of the activities marking the European Day of Languages. The discussion looked at how social media and digital communication are shaping the way young people speak, write and connect with one another.

We talked about language as we use it today: dynamic, constantly evolving and shaped by each new generation.

Moderated by Dr Aneta Naumoska from the “Blaze Koneski” Faculty of Philology in Skopje, the panel brought together four students, each representing a different language: Luka Gjosevski (English), Georgij Vuchikikj (Italian), Angela Naumovska (German) and Magdalena Stojanovska (French). The conversation took place in Macedonian, with authentic examples from all four languages shared and compared.

From expressions rooted in internet culture to words and phrases that move from online spaces into everyday speech, the discussion showed how digital communication is changing both the way we express ourselves and the languages we use.

Rather than seeing new language habits as a sign of carelessness, we can also view them as an expression of creativity and young people’s desire to communicate in their own way. One of the key messages of GEN Z SPEAKS was that good communication is not just about knowing the rules. It is also about understanding the context: knowing when to follow the rules, when to adapt our style and when to deliberately break them.

After all, language is not static. It lives, changes and evolves alongside the people who speak it.

Babylon – New Generation 2026: Winners of the Best Student Translation Award Announced

Posted on by Irena Hristov

On the occasion of the European Day of Languages, the Babylon – New Generation Award for Best Student Translation 2026 was presented yesterday at Europe House Skopje. The competition is organised by the Delegation of the European Union to North Macedonia in partnership with the “Blaze Koneski” Faculty of Philology in Skopje.

The ceremony brought together emerging translators and leading voices from the literary and academic communities to mark the finale of this year’s competition and celebrate the role of literary translation in promoting linguistic diversity.

And the Best Young Translator of 2026 is…

The first prize went to Ivana Jakovova for her translation of Neil Jordan’s short story Night in Tunisia from English into Macedonian. The jury, comprising established translators, university professors and writers, praised her work for its linguistic precision and creativity, as well as its faithful rendering of the author’s voice and style.

The award was presented by European Union Ambassador Michalis Rokas. It includes a study visit to help Ivana further develop her translation skills, as well as the publication of her winning work in the annual collection of the “Blaze Koneski” Faculty of Philology. The recognition marks an important step in her journey as a translator and opens up new opportunities for professional growth.

In addition to the main prize, the jury awarded two honourable mentions. The first went to Marija Nestoroska for her translation of Elsa Morante’s short story Lo scialle andaluso (The Man with Glasses) from Italian into Macedonian. The honourable mention was presented by Prof. Dr Vladimir Martinovski, Dean of the “Blaze Koneski” Faculty of Philology.

The second honourable mention was shared by Martin Georgiev and Teodor Tasevski for their translations of Neil Jordan’s Night in Tunisia from English into Macedonian.

A Student Literary Translation Residency in Struga

Within the framework of the Babylon – New Generation competition, this year’s student literary translation residency once again brought together aspiring translators to hone their skills under the guidance of experienced mentors. From 23 to 25 April, in Struga, the students worked with Sanja Mihajlovikj Kostadinovska, Eli Pujovska and Dusko Krstevski, who guided them through a carefully designed programme of workshops and sessions exploring different aspects of the translation craft.

The residency gave students an opportunity to develop their practical and professional skills beyond the university classroom, encouraging them to explore new word formations, narrative styles and cultural contexts. Alongside gaining new knowledge and experience, the residency also helped foster new friendships and open up opportunities for future collaboration.

At the end of the residency, participants were assigned a short story to translate from one of the 24 official languages of the European Union into one of the languages spoken in the country, in line with their respective language combinations. The selected stories had not previously been translated into the local languages. The completed translations were then submitted anonymously for consideration for the Best Student Translation Award.

Babylon: Different Languages, One Shared Space for Literature

The Babylon – New Generation competition and student residency are rooted in the ideas of collaboration, intercultural dialogue and literary exchange. Inspired by the myth of the Tower of Babel, in which linguistic diversity is portrayed as both a blessing and a barrier to understanding, the initiative highlights the role of translation as a bridge between languages and cultures.

Through the competition, students have the opportunity to translate previously untranslated literary works while contributing to the preservation and enrichment of linguistic heritage. In doing so, Babylon – New Generation supports emerging translators, promotes high-quality literary translation and creates opportunities for European literature to reach a wider readership.

The next edition of the Babylon – New Generation competition will open for applications in early spring 2027, continuing its support for young translators and their role in bringing languages and cultures closer together.

From Organic Waste to Renewable Energy: An EU-Supported Local Success Story

Posted on by Irena Hristov

What if organic waste could be turned into a valuable resource, helping protect the environment and support more sustainable local development?

As part of “EU Projects in Action: Exploring Local Success Stories” (EU Support – Local Change), a series of visits organised by Europe House Tetovo, a group of business economics and food technology students visited Vezë Sharri, a factory in Trebosh, in the Polog region, to see sustainable practices in action.

The students learned about the process of collecting, processing and packaging fresh eggs. They also discovered how Elektro Sharri uses chicken by-products and organic waste to generate renewable energy at its biogas power plant. The first of its kind in the country, the plant produces both electricity and heat, with an annual electricity generation capacity of 8 GWh.

The process also generates material used to produce organic fertilizer, demonstrating how waste can be put to further use rather than discarded. This approach makes more efficient use of resources while reducing the environmental impact of production.

Practical examples like this show how innovation and investment in sustainable technologies can promote responsible resource management and advance the circular economy. Such business practices also deliver tangible benefits to local communities and create opportunities for greener, more sustainable development.

Through the “Exploring Local Success Stories” series, Europe House Tetovo aims to give students the opportunity to discover local projects and initiatives across the Polog region and see how their academic knowledge translates into practice. Each visit highlights how innovative and sustainable approaches, including those supported by the European Union, can contribute to positive change in local communities.

European Researchers’ Night 2026: From Robotics to Botany – Science Opens Its Doors to Everyone

Posted on by Irena Hristov

From robotics, artificial intelligence and renewable energy to astronomy, botany and scientific experiments, European Researchers’ Night 2026, held on 25 September, offered more than 85 interactive activities, turning Skopje, Bitola, Štip, Ohrid and other cities into places of exploration, learning and discovery.

European Researchers’ Night is part of a European initiative that brings science closer to the public, creating opportunities to meet researchers in person and learn about their work. This year, through workshops, scientific demonstrations, exhibitions, public lectures, laboratory visits and interactive games, visitors had the opportunity to ask questions, experiment and discover how scientific research affects everyday life.

The Europe House network also joined the initiative in support of its overall goals, creating additional opportunities through its centres across the country for young people and the wider public to discover the world of science and experience it in a different, more interactive way.

The events were organised as part of the CHOOSE SCIENCE – “Building Society through Research and Innovation” project, supported by the European Union through the Horizon Europe programme and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). The project is coordinated by Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM), with the participation of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts (MANU), St. Kliment Ohridski University – Bitola (UKLO), Goce Delčev University – Štip (UGD), the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) and other partners.

Skopje: From Robotics and Artificial Intelligence to Botany and Astronomy

In Skopje, UKIM’s faculties opened their laboratories and classrooms to visitors, offering a glimpse into the world of contemporary research.

At the Technical Campus, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering showcased the potential of mechatronics, industrial robotics, automation and production engineering. Through workshops and demonstrations, visitors also explored industrial design, motor vehicles, engineering materials and welding technologies. The Project Hub exhibition put student projects and creative engineering solutions in the spotlight, while the EU Corner highlighted European support for science and innovation in engineering.

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies (FEIT) brought energy science and modern digital technologies closer to the public. Topics included renewable electricity generation, Power-to-X technologies, machine learning and computer architectures. At the Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering (FINKI), the focus was on digital transformation, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, with a panel discussion and presentations dedicated to research and innovation projects.

Curious visitors also had the opportunity to explore the natural sciences. The Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (PMF) opened its Botanical Garden, Creative Mathematics Laboratory and Seismological Observatory to visitors, while also introducing them to geospatial platforms such as Google Maps, Google Earth Pro and QGIS. Data science and its applications in business were explored through an interactive workshop at the Faculty of Economics entitled “Disruptions Can Be Fun – Discover What the Numbers Hide with Business Analytics.”

Bitola: Science Through Time, Art and the Starry Sky

Bitola was one of the main centres of this year’s event, with a rich programme organised by St. Kliment Ohridski University (UKLO) in cooperation with COLORS. The activities began on 24 September at Bliss Mall, where visitors took part in a scientific treasure hunt. Certificates were also awarded to around 40 secondary school students and their mentors for their works on the theme of “Metamorphosis”, created as part of the “Roots and Wings” competition.

The main event on 25 September took place at the St. Kliment Ohridski University Library in Bitola. A special place in the programme was reserved for a tribute to Dr Anastas Kocarev, a Macedonian scientist and pioneer in radiology and oncology, also known for his collaboration with Marie Curie. Revisiting his scientific legacy offered an opportunity to highlight the importance of researchers whose discoveries pave the way for future generations.

Europe House Bitola also joined the programme, inviting visitors to explore the universe from a different perspective. Through telescope observations, participants had the opportunity to learn how astronomers study celestial bodies, make precise measurements and discover distant worlds. A single encounter with the starry sky was enough to inspire new questions and spark an interest in astronomy.

Štip: Open Laboratories and Science Under the Stars

In Štip, Goce Delčev University opened its laboratories to secondary school students and all interested members of the public. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about ongoing research and explore different scientific fields through presentations by university professors.

The programme also included debates and expert lectures, culminating in the multimedia event “Art and Science Under the Stars”, held at the Jordan Mijalkov Sports Hall. Bringing science and art together offered a different way to experience research, demonstrating how creativity can also spark curiosity.

Ohrid: Scientific Conferences, Workshops, Lab Observations and Experiments

In Ohrid, European Researchers’ Night was also marked by scientific conferences and interactive workshops. On 25 and 26 September, conferences organised by the Society of Chemists and Technologists of Macedonia and the Physics Society of Macedonia took place, featuring an open poster session, experimental demonstrations and interactive activities for students. At the Hydrobiological Institute, the workshop “Living Organisms and Their Environment” gave participants the opportunity to explore aquatic habitats through laboratory activities and microscopic observations, discovering how water conditions affect living organisms and their adaptation to the environment.

Veles: When Science Becomes a Mystery to Solve

At Europe House Veles, science turned into a real investigation for European Researchers’ Night. Three teams, three scientific mysteries and one mission: to find out what really happened.

In collaboration with “St. Cyril and Methodius” Secondary School – Negotino, the young researchers examined evidence, conducted experiments in chemistry, biology and physics, connected the clues and, step by step, arrived at the final solution.

In this unusual scientific investigation, teachers took on the role of mentors, guiding the young researchers through the experiments while encouraging their curiosity, teamwork and desire to explore.

Strumica: Science as a Game and Team Challenge

Europe House Strumica also joined European Researchers’ Night, organising a science trail in cooperation with Strumica’s primary and secondary schools. The science stations were presented by secondary school students and their mentors, who used experiments to give visitors a firsthand look at scientific principles in action.

For those looking for an extra challenge, there was also the Escape Room: “The Mad Scientist’s Laboratory.” Divided into teams, the young scientists put their logic, speed and teamwork to the test as they tried to solve puzzles and escape the laboratory.

Science Is for Everyone

From taking their first steps into the world of robotics to observing distant stars, European Researchers’ Night showed that science knows no boundaries of age, knowledge or profession. It is a space for asking questions, experimenting, exchanging ideas and discovering things that may once have seemed beyond our reach.

With free activities open to everyone, the event offered students, parents, teachers, researchers and entrepreneurs an opportunity to engage with science in a hands-on and enjoyable way. At the same time, by revisiting scientific heritage and showcasing contemporary research, it sent a strong message about the importance of science in building society.

Because science is not just something we learn from textbooks – it is something we explore, experience and share. And every new discovery begins with curiosity and a single question.

 

Planting Hope: An Inclusive Garden in Kochani, a Symbol of Solidarity and Care for One Another

Posted on by Irena Hristov

In Kochani, we planted more than flowers. We created a new space for connection, togetherness and care, where every plant carries a message of acceptance, equality and respect.

Тhe Planting Hope initiative, organized by Europe House Strumica in partnership with ZOI Kochani, brought together students from the Primary School “Nikola Karev” and persons with disabilities, members of ZOI, for an inclusive environmental workshop. Together, we planted flowers and greenery in the schoolyard and decorated pots with messages of friendship, hope, equality and mutual respect.

That’s how the Garden of Inclusion came to life – a small green corner that will grow alongside the community and remind us that everyone deserves support, equal opportunities and a space to thrive and contribute. Each plant became a symbol of solidarity, shared values and love.

Planting Hope is part of the Green Up initiative, which promotes environmental awareness and helps create greener, healthier communities through small but meaningful actions. Because change begins not only with what we plant, but also with how we care for one another.

The Sweet Side of Our Tradition: Grandmothers’ Recipes Find Their Way to a New Generation

Posted on by Irena Hristov

Plums, figs, quinces and family recipes passed down through generations – slatko, the traditional fruit preserve, is more than just a familiar taste from our childhood. It is a cherished part of our culinary heritage and a symbol of hospitality, a small gesture of welcome for every guest who walks through our door.

We brought this tradition to life at Dvorche, the much-loved back yard of Europe House Veles, where time-honoured recipes met the creativity of a new generation. Together with students from the Secondary School “Kole Nedelkovski” in Veles, we made 100 jars of homemade fruit preserves, discovering once again that the best recipes are about much more than precise measurements. They are about making things together, learning from our elders and picking up those little kitchen secrets that can only be passed on by doing.

Each jar also had a story to tell. Students from the Economics Department of the Municipal Secondary School “Jovche Teslichkov” took on the creative challenge of designing original labels for our jars of sweet preserves. From initial ideas and choice of visual elements to the finished designs, they added their own creative touch to every one of the 100 jars.

The day wrapped up with a tasting shared with loved ones and the sounds of Hot Jazz Orchestra, turning Dvorche into a lively gathering place where generations, familiar flavours and fresh ideas came together.

“Sweet Preserves at Dvorche” was a reminder that tradition is not simply something we inherit. It is something we keep alive, reinvent and pass on by sharing it with others.

 

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