EU reinstates trade preferences for the Western Balkans until 2015

The European Union today re-established the exceptional autonomous trade preferences, which it grants to all Western Balkan countries including Kosovo1, until the end of 2015.

EU High Representative/Vice President Catherine Ashton fills three positions in the European External Action Service

Brussels, 21 December 2011 - Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission, today announced her intention to fill three positions in the European External Action Service.

EU supported renovation of the City Theatre in Gevgelija

On Sunday, 18 December 2011, at 19:00 hrs, with the theatre play "The Marriage of Figaro" the City Theatre in Gevgelija will mark the successful renovation of the Theatre supported by the European Union.

Students from the International Balkan University visited EU InfoCentre

The EU InfoCentre on 14 December hosted about 50 students from the International Balkan University in Skopje. They participated at the lecture about the history of the EU, its institutions, as well as the joint achievements of the European nations and the possibilities for the students.

Human Rights Day 2011 Marked With Several Activities

On the occasion of the Human Rights Day (December 10) the Delegation of European Union together with the United Nations and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands organised a series of events at the EU InfoCentre.

Boris Grdanoski - Winner of ‘Jean Monnet’ 2011 Competition for Best Photography

The winner of the ‘Jean Monnet’ 2011 Competition for best Photography, launched by the Delegation of the European Union, is Boris Grdanoski, photo editor and reporter of Vest Daily, and photo - correspondent of Associated Press.

Director in Directorate General for Regional Policy Jean-Marie SEYLER to attend Signing Ceremony of the Bilateral Agreements for Corridor X Waste Water Infrastructure in Prilep

On 7-9 December 2011, Mr. Jean-Marie SEYLER, Director in Directorate General for Regional Policy will pay an official visit to Skopje. On 9 December, Mr. Jean-Marie SEYLER, Director in DG REGIO and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr Zoran Stavrevski will sign the Bilateral Project Agreements concerning the co-financing of the major projects: 1) Construction of a new motorway section Demir Kapija – Smokvica as part of a Pan-European Corridor X and 2) Improvements in waste water collection and waste water treatment in Prilep, funded under the IPA Component III – Regional Development.

Launching event of the twinning project: Support to the National Employment Agency

On 6 December 2011, 11:00 hrs, an event marking the start of the EU-funded twinning project: "Support to the National Employment Policy” will be organised at the EU InfoCentre.

EU supports the Centre for Adult Education and development of educational programmes for literacy and completion of elementary education for excluded persons

On 5 December 2011, 11:00 hrs, an event marking the start of the EU-funded Twinning project: "Support to the capacity building of the Centre for Adult Education and development of programmes for adult education, for literacy and fulfilment of elementary education for excluded persons” will be organised at the Faculty of Philology.

Improving the economic potential, identifying the future sources of growth

On 30 November 2011, starting at 10:00 hrs, the European Union, the Polish Presidency and the Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia are organising a High Level Economic Policy Conference on improving the economic potential, and identifying the future sources of growth.

The Financing Agreement of the Transition Assistance and Institution Building component of the 2010 Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA)

On Thursday, 1 December 2011, at 10:00 hrs, a signing ceremony of the Financing Agreement of the Transition Assistance and Institution Building component of the 2010 Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), in Centralised and Decentralised Management, will be organised at the Government building (Debate Hall).

HIGH LEVEL ECONOMIC POLICY CONFERENCE:
"Improving the economic potential, identifying the future sources of growth"

On 30 November 2011, starting at 10:00 hrs, the European Union, the Polish Presidency and the Macedonian Government are organising a High Level Economic Policy Conference on improving the economic potential, and identifying the future sources of growth.

Promotional conference “Support to the Agency for Supervision of Fully Funded Pension Insurance”

On 24 November 2011, 14:00 hrs, a promotional conference for the EU-funded project: "Support to the Agency for Supervision of Fully Funded Pension Insurance” will be organised at the EU InfoCentre.

Promotion of EU FP7 Programme and marking of the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry awarded to Marie SKLODOWSKA-CURIE

On 16 November, a presentation of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), the biggest EU programme for funding the ' knowledge triangle' - research, education and innovation- has been held at the EU InfoCentre. This event was organised on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry awarded to Maria Sklodowska Curie.

Press release

The Delegation of the European Union in Skopje has the pleasure to invite you to a press conference on Wednesday, 12 October at 14:30, focused on the presentation of the Progress Report for the country and the strategy paper.

Lecture for the students from high school “josip broz tito” at the eu infocentre

The series of lectures entitled “Open doors for students” this season continued with the visit by students from the High school “Josip Broz Tito” from Skopje.

European Day of languages

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the European Day of Languages, on Monday, 26 September the Delegation of European Union organizes a panel discussion titled ‘Many tongues, one family: achieving intercultural competence through plurilingualism’. The Panel will be held at the EU InfoCentre, beginning at 13hrs.

The 10th Anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement marked

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, on 13 August a conference was organised by the Secretariat for OFA Implementation, which brought together local officials and politicians, as well as international community representatives, including some of those who facilitated the 2001 peace process.

Joint statement by heads of mission of EU, NATO, OSCE and US in Skopje on tenth anniversary of Ohrid Framework Agreement

SKOPJE, 12 August 2011 – The heads of mission of the European Union, NATO, OSCE, and US issued the following statement today on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement on 13 August 2001.

On Thursday, 28 July, Mr Stefano Sannino, Director General at the DG Enlargement, will hold a press point at the EU Info Centre starting at 11:00.

Mr Sannino, who is in three-day visit to Skopje, will have meetings with President of the Parliament Trajko Veljanovski, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, as well as with the leaders of the main political parties represented in the parliament and the designate ministers in the new government.

“Let me tell you a secret about environment” brochure presented as a theatre play to pre-school children

More than 1600 children from the kindergartens throughout the country enjoyed in the secrets, adventures and twists of the play which scenario was based on the brochure “Let me tell you a secret about environment”.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE PROJECT THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY

During June, the Delegation of the European Union in cooperation with the municipalities organizes several People and Culture Days in Ohrid, Kavadarci, Bitola and Kocani. The events comprise two parts: presentation of the Community programme Culture 2007-2013 and performances of the artists from the country who have been involved in the project: Southeast Europe - People and culture.

INFO DAY ON VOLUNTEERING

On 21 June, Tuesday, starting from 10:00 until 17:00 hrs an Info day on volunteering will be held at the EU InfoCentre in Skopje. The Info day is consisted of panel discussion “Making a difference: Volunteering, a catalyst of change towards a more caring society” and a Volunteering Fair “Life as a Volunteer”.

CHILDREN FROM KINDERGARTEN "IZVORCHE - MONTESSORI" VISITED THE EU INFOCENTRE

On 7 June about 20 children from the kindergarten "Izvorche - Montessori" from Skopje visited the EU InfoCentre. They participated at the interactive lecture tailored for their age about the EU which included basic information about the EU symbols – flag, anthem and motto. Some of the EU policies like environment or energy saving were also explained to the children through animated movies.

Europe Day celebrations all over the country

The Delegation of the European Union in partnership with the Secretariat for European Affairs and the European Movement organised over 30 events in order to celebrate the 61st birthday of the European Union and bring the European integration process closer to the citizens.

Students from elementary school Dimo Hadzi Dimov visited the EU InfoCentre

The EU InfoCentre on 31 May hosted about 60 students the elementary school Dimo Hadzi Dimov from Skopje. They participated at the lecture about the history of the EU, its institutions, as well as the joint achievements of the European nations and the possibilities for the younger generations. Following the lecture, they took part in a Questions & Answers session and a short EU Quiz. They showed excellent knowledge on questions related to the endeavours of European nations.

The Skopje City Park hosted this year's Europe Day Happening

The traditional Europe Day happening this year took place in the Skopje City Park. Students from primary schools in the Skopje municipalities of Aerodrom, Gazi Baba, Gjorche Petrov, Karposh, Kisela Voda, Saraj and Chair presented the cultures of the 27 EU Member States. The cultural programme included performances by Vlatko Stefanovski Trio, Superhiks, Toni Kitanovski Trio, students from the Skopje Music and Ballet School Centre “Ilija Nikolovski Luj”…

Europe Day celebrations started!

Ambassador Sørensen, Deputy Prime Minister Naumovski, the President of the European Movement, Prof Gjurovska and the Mayor of Centar Municipality Todorovic at today’s press conference in the EU InfoCentre, announced the activities for celebrating this year’s Europe Day.

EU Supports the General Secretariat to Build its Capacity to Cooperate with the Civil Society

On Thursday, 28 April 2011, an official presentation of the EU-funded project: “Technical Assistance to the Unit for Cooperation with NGOs in the General Secretariat” was held at the EU InfoCentre. The project aims at improving the capacity of the Unit for the NGO cooperation in the General Secretariat for the implementation of the Strategy for Cooperation between the Government and the Civil Society. The project will also focus on building the capacities and assisting the effective management of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) grant schemes under the civil society portfolio.

European Union Sustainable Energy Week - 'Smart energy for a sustainable future'

The Delegation of the European Union marked the EU Sustainable Energy Week 2011 by hosting several events aimed at raising awareness about energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Week, bringing together decision makers, civil society and all stakeholders, takes place under the slogan ‘Smart energy for a sustainable future’.

As a part of the EU Sustainable Energy Week, a panel discussion titled ‘The Road to a Sustainable Energy Future’ was held on 11 April.

EU policies and programmes presented to citizens

In the period February-March, cities of Kumanovo, Bitola, Kocani, Kavadarci, Tetovo, Gostivar and Veles are hosts of numerous presentations that cover topics important for the EU accession process, providing information about EU assistance to the country, as well as informing about EU policies and programmes, such as Explaining Enlargement and presenting the...

EU celebrates International Women’s Day

The Delegation of the European Union and the EU InfoCentre organised a series of events marking the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day. On the occasion of this important anniversary, a panel discussion titled “Let’s make things happen - economic, political and social achievements of women and inequalities still to be redressed” was organised on 9 March 2011, at the EU InfoCentre.

STUDENTS FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEVENA GEORGIEVA DUNJA VISITED THE EU INFOCENTR

The EU InfoCentre on 1 March hosted about 30 students the elementary school Nevena Georgieva Dunja from Skopje. They participated at the lecture about the history of the EU, its institutions, as well as the joint achievements of the European nations. Following the lecture, they took part in a Questions & Answers session and a short EU Quiz.

EU lecture for the elementary school "Ss. Cyril and Methodius"

The EU InfoCentre on 24 February organised a presentation about the EU for seventh and eighth grade pupils from the elementary school Kiril and Metodij from Skopje.

About 30 students participated at the lecture about the history of the EU, its institutions, as well as the joint achievements of the European nations. Following the lecture, they took part in a Questions & Answers session and a short EU Quiz.

Children visited EU InfoCentre

On 16 february two groups of children from elementary school “Goce Delchev” visited the EU InfoCentre. The purpose of their visit was the exhibition of paintings “Flowers for Peace” by Zhivko Popovski – Cvetin which is placed in the EU InfoCentre on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Visegrad group held on 15 February.

Exhibition of photographs “Homo Urbanus Europeanus”

An exhibition titled “Homo Urbanus Europeanus” by the French photographer Jean-Marc Carracci will be displayed at the Ramstore mall from 16 February until 16 March. The exhibition, supported by the Delegation of European Union in Skopje, consists of 60 photographs representing 31 European capitals, all photographed in the same style, sober and without any cultural or social visibility, thus favouring the similarity to the difference, the “Europeanity” to the diversity.

Safer Internet Day "It's more than a game, it's your life!"

On the occasion of Safer Internet Day on 8 February the Delegation of the European Union and the Metamorphosis Foundation organised a lecture aimed at raising awareness among younger generations on safe usage of the new technologies and the potential influence of the virtual over the real world.

Info Day on EU programme “Europe for Citizens”

On 21 January, at the EU InfoCentre an Information Day on the EU programme “Europe for Citizens” was organised by the Delegation of the European Union and the Ministry of Education and Science aiming at providing information to the eligible participants in the programme, such as the authorities of the local self-government, European public policy research organisations (think-tanks), citizens’ groups, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, trade unions, educational institutions, organisations active in the field of voluntary work, organisations active in the field of amateur sport, etc.

Sixth Civil Society Annual Gathering: Inauguration of New Generation of EIDHR Projects

On Wednesday, 13 January, the traditional, annual gathering of civil society was organised in the EU InfoCentre. The event served not only to reflect on the achievements, joint experiences and cooperation, but also views were exchange on the challenges ahead for the work of the civil society organisations. At the gathering, seven new projects supported by the European Union through the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) were inaugurated. Ambassador Erwan Fouéré announced that the next EIDHR 2010 Country Based Support Scheme call for proposal is in preparation and is to be launched in February.

Presented Priorities of the Hungarian presidency

On Tuesday, 11 January the EU Special Representative and Head of the Delegation of the European Union Erwan Fouéré and the Ambassador of Hungary to Skopje Ferenc Kékesi presented the EU priorities for the next six months and in particular the priorities of the Hungarian presidency as part of the EU presidency trio with Spain and Belgium. 

Volunteer! Make a Difference: European Commission Launches the European Year of Volunteering 2011

On 2 December, the European Commission presented the objectives and activities of the 2011 European Year of Volunteering as well as the year’s slogan: ‘Volunteer! Make a difference’. The main objective of the 2011 European Year of Volunteering is to highlight volunteers’ work, encourage other citizens to join in and contribute to the their community and the goals of the European Year.