Ambassador David Geer
Head of the Delegation of the European Union in North Macedonia
Dear buzzers,
Summer is well and truly here and we are all already sweltering! May be you are travelling to the mountains, the lakes or even the sea to cool off. But if you are looking for a programme of exciting activities nearer to home, you need go no further than consult this addition of Buzz.
The Europe House network has gone from strength to strength in recent years growing to seven centres in Bitola, Kriva Palanka, Skopje, Struga, Strumica, Tetovo and Veles. Our goal is for these houses to serve young people in the regions in which they are based; to be places for debate, innovation, activism and fun; to be spaces that are inclusive, safe and welcoming.
I’d like to thank everyone that has been involved so far, the staff at our different Europe Houses, the numerous guests and most of all every one of you that has made Europe House your own home.
As I come to the end of my time as ambassador here, I can say without any doubt that some of my best moments have been in our different Europe House talking with young people, listening to them and learning from them. Most of all I have been impressed by the commitment and passion of the young people I have met in many parts of North Macedonia over the last four years. It gives me confidence in their future and in the future of this country as a member of the European Union.
Have a great summer. Stay cool and stay active!
– Ambassador David Geer, Head of the Delegation of the European Union in North Macedonia
June was a month of great accomplishments for us! We opened exhibitions, celebrated biodiversity in Dojran, and hosted an extraordinary and captivating tour of Galičica National Park. Our dedication to hard work was evident as we rolled up our sleeves for cleaning activities in Veles and along the shores of Lake Ohrid. Furthermore, we achieved a significant milestone as we proudly opened the eighth Europe House in North Macedonia – Europe House Tetovo.
We are proud to have supported the 5th Pride Parade in Skopje! Ambassador David Geer and members of #TeamEurope, along with embassies of member states, joined the parade for the 4th time. The vibrant rainbow colours weren’t just confined to the streets; Europe House Skopje and a number of local cafés including Kotur, Izlet Café, Laboratorium, Radio Bar, and Kino Karpoš opened their doors on June 22 to create safe spaces for everyone advocating for equal rights and positive societal changes. This initiative is a call to action for equality, the rejection of restrictions and stereotypes, and the celebration of diversity. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us as we proudly paraded for this important cause!
Fun Fact: Did you know that Malta has the most LGBTQ+ friendly laws and policies in Europe? Rainbow Europe ranked Malta as the top country for LGBTQ+ rights in 2023. In recent years, Malta has made significant progress in protecting the rights of its LGBTQ+ citizens and residents. This includes banning “conversion therapy” and genital mutilation for intersex people, promoting workplace anti-discrimination practices, facilitating legal gender changes for transgender individuals, and legalizing same-sex marriage. This progress demonstrates Malta’s commitment to equality and diversity.
In the scorching heat of June, Kriva Palanka was the vibrant hub for a gathering of young artists. Under the expert guidance of Art Professor Robert Cvetkovski, talented youths blossomed at the International Art Colony. Pianist Eva Nikolovska, a student of Professor Larisa Žulina Mitovski, graced the event with captivating music. The strong support for the International Art Colony fostered a rich exchange of knowledge and skills among eminent artists from North Macedonia, Spain, Serbia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Cyprus, and the gifted young artists.
Fun Fact: June is widely regarded as the month of creativity due to the warm weather and long days that stimulate creativity. Isn’t that fascinating?
On June 10, the shores of Dojran Lake hosted an extraordinary outdoor exhibition titled “Biodiversity of the Dojran Lake” during the EU Green Week. This captivating event showcased the remarkable variety of life that thrives within this unique ecosystem, from rare plants to endangered bird species. Following the exhibition, a thought-provoking panel discussion with ecology and nature protection experts took place under the serene canopy of a grand maple tree. Enthusiastic participants, especially the youth, passionately shared their ideas on how we can all play a part in safeguarding Dojran’s natural resources. They emphasized the crucial need to protect biodiversity and sustain ecosystems, while also offering practical steps for everyone to contribute to preserving this invaluable natural heritage. And guess what? This enlightening exhibition will grace Dojran throughout the summer! Visit this enchanting place and join the movement for nature preservation! ????
Fun Fact: Discover the unique tradition of catching fish with the help of birds at Dojran Lake! Mandra, a water space near the shore, features a house surrounded by reeds on three sides. Embrace this traditional method of fishing, with preparations starting in October and lasting until March!
We embarked on the awe-inspiring Tour De Galičica, organized by Europe House Bitola, now in its 12th year. This event represents an extraordinary opportunity to showcase the tourist offerings of the Prespa Region, further contribute to local and regional development, and uncover the rich history and stunning landscapes of the National Park Galičica. The journey commenced in the picturesque village Oteševo, Prespa, with a vibrant atmosphere curated by Pijan Slavej and his band. Attendees were treated to an unforgettable musical performance and had the chance to immerse themselves in the natural splendour of Prespa.
Galičica, a treasure trove of natural beauty, left an indelible mark on all who experienced it. The warmth and camaraderie were palpable as we engaged in heartfelt conversations with the local youth, witnessing their deep connection to this place. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we were enveloped in a dreamlike setting, serenaded by enchanting music amidst the backdrop of the breath-taking landscape.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Prespa is situated at the juncture of three countries – North Macedonia, Greece, and Albania? This exceptional geographical location fosters a remarkable cultural and natural synergy, connecting the communities of these three nations.
Let’s not overlook the importance of keeping our local communities clean. It’s crucial for improving our quality of life and preserving the natural environment. Clean public spaces not only make our surroundings more beautiful and pleasant but also ensure the health of all residents by reducing exposure to harmful substances and waste. Europe House Veles, the Youth Centre of Veles, and the students from “Vasil Glavinov” Elementary School recently joined forces to clean the park. Enthusiastic and dedicated young people took part in the park clean-up, making a significant difference. Thanks to their efforts, the park has never looked better! Our careful waste selection reflects our strong commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness. Together, we are the #GreenAlliance!????
Let’s set an example with our actions, showing how even small contributions can make a big impact on waste issues. Remember, “Small steps build momentum.” Our combined effort proves that working together can lead to meaningful results. A clean park is just one of the benefits; we’re also providing an opportunity to educate young people about the importance of sustainability and caring for the environment.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the average European produces a staggering 5 tons of waste every year, but only 38% of this waste is recycled in the EU? Shockingly, over 60% of households in some EU countries still dispose of their waste in landfills.
“Voice of the Coast” embarked on an impactful initiative to cleanse the coast of Lake Ohrid and transform plastic waste into the scenography for the theatre play “Oceania.” A team of approximately 20 dedicated children and young people, supported by passionate artists and representatives of Europe House Struga, actively participated in cleaning the area. They partnered with two divers to gather a substantial amount of waste, predominantly plastic, which was meticulously recycled to craft the striking scenography for the play.
Simultaneously, we facilitated a “Care for Disabled Kids” workshop, open to all interested children and youth, to promote inclusivity and empathy. The completed scenography stands as a testament to the collaborative effort, emphasizing the values of assistance and camaraderie. Additionally, we orchestrated an exhilarating kayaking marathon on Lake Ohrid, showcasing the spirit of youth and camaraderie, and hosted a serene party in the Poetry Park featuring electronic music, complemented by a captivating video performance highlighting the region’s endemic birds and flowers.
Fun Fact: Did you know that over the past decade, the uncontrolled trade in plastic waste has led to significant damage to the environment and public health? Plastic waste has been improperly disposed of in landfills, burned in the open, or dumped in the ocean. In response to this issue, the EU introduced new rules in May 2019 to regulate the shipment of plastic waste, which has resulted in changes to how plastic waste is classified as hazardous, non-hazardous, or requiring special attention.
Experience the grand opening of Europe House Tetovo! We launched our 7th house on June 7 with an exciting program: witnessing the donation of the READ mobile library at CBC Loja and engaging in a stimulating debate on “Tetovo for a new, greener generation” with the students of the South East European University. The youth had the opportunity to share ideas and engage in personal discussions with Ambassador David Geer. The audience enjoyed live performances by Zarina Prvasevda and DJ Redon Robi, and witnessed captivating live paintings by artists Rita Nuredini and Azra Tairi. Europe House Tetovo was also a part of the European Open Air Traveling Cinema: , and participated in a debate on the importance of educational programs for the well-being and mental health of young people with the HERA team, and explored the significance of books and reading. Don’t miss out – be a part of the unforgettable experience at Europe House Tetovo this summer!
Fun Fact: Discover the intriguing Tetovo Maenad, found in 1933 near the Balez Fountain in Tetovo. This small bronze statue of a young dancing woman, dating between 500 and 470 BC, depicts a maenad, the devoted companion of Dionysus, the god of wine. Today, this historical artifact is proudly displayed in the collection of the Archaeological Museum of the Republic of North Macedonia in Skopje.
June flew by, but we’ve got more in store for you! Get ready to enjoy the warm summer and follow us for exciting new things coming this summer!