Bitola, 27 February 2023 (MIA) – European Union Ambassador David Geer and Bitola Mayor Toni Konjanovski, in the presence of Minister of Culture Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska, signed Monday a Memorandum of Understanding for the opening of a Europe House in the Officers’ Hall in Bitola.

“Europe House is a place for the youth to gather and discuss issues related to the country’s future direction towards the EU, as well as their own future as future citizens of the EU. Europe House is a window through which you can see from both sides, in two directions. The first direction allows the youth to see the path leading to the EU, while the second direction is the opportunity for the EU member states to see the immense cultural heritage of the country and the city of Bitola and to offer it to the EU. With this project we fully respect the cultural heritage and past of the Officers’ Hall, which has a unique mark and we want to fill this place with young people, ideas and discussions… which is why the citizens should consider Europe House as their house,” Ambassador Geer said.

Minister of Culture Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska spoke about the history, the historical value and the European future of the Officers’ Hall in Bitola.

“The Officers’ Hall has defied all the ups and downs that have happened in Bitola, and in 2016 it defied being put up for sale as a nameless building, and thanks to the voice of the citizens of Bitola this was prevented. The Officers’ Hall was granted protection of the highest national interest last year, so that it can receive the care it deserves. That’s why it is an honor that through the Europe House concept we can see activities that will contribute to the development of the cultural scene in the municipality,” stressed Minister Kostadinovska-Stojchevska.

Mayor Toni Konjanovski said today's signing of the Memorandum of Understanding continues Bitola's development in a European way, adding that the space will be intended for the youth, meetings, discussions and learning.

“We continue with activities which mean functionality, sustainability and success of a project implemented with financial support from the European funds, which is the rehabilitated Officers’ Hall. Additional confirmation of our efforts is the data from the operations of the Culture and Information Center that organizes the activities of the Officers’ Hall, which show that over 400 events with over 65,000 visitors have taken place. Our cooperation with the EU Delegation continues through the support of several projects we are working on,” said Mayor Konjanovski. ad/ik/

Photo: MIA