Skopje, 9 May 2023 (MIA) - Europe Day is about looking forward, renewing the commitments to the kind of European Union we want to build. A Europe of values, of innovation, that engages young people, a Europe that meets the challenges of our age. Today, North Macedonia is well-placed to be a part of this vision, after having opened accession negotiations last July. The way is open, and the tasks ahead are clear, said the EU Ambassador to North Macedonia, David Geer, in his address at the event marking May 9 – Victory over Fascism Day and Europe day.

“I am convinced that with vision, unity and determination. North Macedonia will be able to assume its place as an EU member state. We want you to join us, our vision is a future together,” stressed the EU Ambassador.

Geer said that the role of the EU has become even more important in face of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. “The European Union and like-minded partners,” he said, “have responded with extraordinary determination and unity.”

“North Macedonia has also shown leadership in its exemplary support for Ukraine. We commend it, as we salute the exceptional courage and determination of the Ukrainian people and as we pay tribute to all those women and men who gave their lives to defeat fascism in World War II,” said Geer.

The Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in North Macedonia, Eric Meyer, touched upon the Russian aggression on Ukraine, stressing that such a callous disregard for human lives cannot be justified.

“To suggest that what Russia is doing today in Ukraine has anything in the slightest to do with defeating fascism is a lie. It is a gross distortion of history, and it is a disgraceful insult to the people we are honoring today. Unfortunately, the Russian leadership chooses to continue on this misguided, illegal and destructive path, and Europe will continue to be steadfast in its defense of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the right to choose a future inside the community of peace-loving democratic nations. The resolve of those who fought and ultimately defeated fascism 78 years ago was the catalyst that forged a stable, European community, a strong NATO alliance and security for hundreds of millions of people, including the two million people here in North Macedonia,” said Meyer in his address.

“This is why,” he added, “we pay tribute to them today and why we must continue to honor their legacy by refusing to yield when faced with threats to democratic principles and self-determination.”

The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European affairs, Bojan Marichikj, sent a message of unity over the real European values as the sole prerequisite for the future.

“We proudly remember and pay our respects to the fighters who defended their countries and the world from the greatest evil of the past century, fascism… Their legacy obliges us to remain on the side of the European and the real values, nurturing freedom, tolerance, democracy and dialogue as holy. This keeps us close to our European partners, strategic allies with whom we jointly affirm that North Macedonia’s EU path is the best way to protect the values that placed us on the side of justice and victory,” said Marichikj.

It is no coincidence, he said, that we celebrate Europe Day alongside Victory Day as a successful project for long-term peace between the countries in Europe.

“Today, after more than eight decades, we need solidarity and courage to extend a hand over the topics and issues important for the citizens such as peace, stability, democracy, social and economic development. We have a good foundation and a right to continue forward, and by overcoming the challenges in this process to give a chance to make the vision of membership by 2030 a reality. It is our duty to fulfill the idea of our ancestors and to transfer it to future generations, to create, to progress, to accept the European standards and to live the European values. Europe belongs to our region and our regions belongs to Europe,” said Marichikj.

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Political System and Inter-Community Relations, Artan Grubi, stressed that the country has a chance to demonstrate courage and leadership and unite behind the country’s EU membership.

“Our Government has leaders who are prepared to talk about reconciliation for the future of our country. We should all unite, reconcile and work together for the future of our country,” said Grubi.

The Vice President of the Fighters’ Association, Naum Burevski, sent a message about preserving peace and unity, and to continue to fight against the insidious appetites of the modern global politics.

Photo: MIA