EUROPE DAY 2025 MARKED BY EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY AND SUPPORT FOR KOCHANI

Over 3,300 participants in seven cities united in solidarity, raising nearly 1.5 million denars in donations at events organized throughout May on the occasion of May 9 – Europe Day. This year, the celebration of Europe Day was dedicated to supporting the victims and those injured from the tragedy in Kocani through a series of activities organized by the Delegation of the European Union and the Europe House network. As a sign of support, citizens took part in charity races and participated in art auctions with works by local artists, expressing their humanity and solidarity with both the families of the victims and the entire Kocani community.

The European Union remains strongly committed to long-term psychosocial support for those impacted by the tragedy. As part of this support, and in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden, a delegation from the Swedish city of Gothenburg is set to visit Kochani to share their experience in dealing with collective trauma following a similar tragedy in 1998.

This year, Europe Day carried a strong message of unity and solidarity. Through numerous joint activities, citizens showed what it means to stand together when humanity is most needed. From artists to runners, from children to the elderly—everyone came together for one common goal.

EU support for Kochani began immediately after the tragedy, with the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, through which 115 people affected by the fire were transported for treatment to EU Member States and partner countries. This swift and coordinated response once again demonstrated the strength of European solidarity. For many, that timely action was life-saving.

During the Europe Day reception on 8 May, held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Skopje—a symbol of resistance and solidarity—an art exhibition was opened in cooperation with DLUM. Local artists generously donated their works, which were put up for sale to raise funds in support of those affected by the Kochani tragedy.

On 9 May, iconic historical and cultural landmarks in seven cities were illuminated in blue—the color symbolizing unity and solidarity among European nations.

The main event of the month—the humanitarian races—took place on 25 May in seven cities: Skopje, Bitola, Veles, Tetovo, Strumica, Struga, and Kriva Palanka. Under the motto “All for Kochani. We Run Together,” more than 3,300 participants registered. Despite unfavorable weather conditions, citizens ran—many even in the rain—united in their goal to help Kochani.

Among the participants were ambassadors and staff from EU Member State embassies in North Macedonia. Running side by side with citizens across all seven cities under the hashtag #TeamEurope, they led by example in demonstrating solidarity.

The total amount raised through the charity runs and the art auction reached nearly 1.5 million denars. All collected funds were transferred to the account of the Red Cross of North Macedonia, dedicated to supporting the victims of the Kočani tragedy.

In addition to immediate aid, the EU Delegation also ensured long-term psychosocial support for Kochani residents through the Centre for Psychosocial and Crisis Action.

EU Member States are also providing different forms of support through their national mechanisms. As part of these efforts, the Embassy of Sweden in North Macedonia is organizing a visit of a delegation from the Swedish city of Gothenburg, which experienced a similar tragedy in 1998, when a nightclub fire took the lives of over 60 young people. The purpose of the visit is to share insights and experiences with the Kochani community on how to cope with collective trauma.

You can watch the video capturing moments and impressions from all seven races, filmed across various locations in the country—a testament to a day filled with humanity, compassion, and solidarity.