Five journalists from Poland visited Macedonia on an invitation from the TAV Macedonia air transport company, to report the Macedonian tourism offer. "Following a successful recent campaign with Turkish bloggers to promote Macedonia in front of the public in Turkey, we undertook a similar program with journalists, tourism agencies and operators from Poland. We had representatives from leading Polish online and print media to visit the wineries and the Matka Canyon in Skopje, lake Ohrid and the Bitola region, so they can report on…
A heatwave is expected to increase temperatures above 40 degrees Centigrade across Macedonia in the coming days, with an extremely high UV index surpassing 9. Most of the country, including the mountainous areas, will see temperatures cross the 35 degrees mark. A yellow alert stage is declared, and it is expected that on Friday and Saturday conditions will be met to declare orange alert. The public is also warned about the danger of forest fires.
The 2nd Cavalry Regiment is in Macedonia to showcase military cooperation as well as the US strategic partnership with Macedonia. Before returning to their home base in Vilseck, Germany, 2nd Cavalry Regiment Soldiers, will travel close to 2,000 kilometers during Dragoon Guardian 2017. Dragoon Guardian is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which seeks to strengthen relationships, and enhance regional stability in Eastern Europe.
The youth handball team of Macedonia (players up to 21 years old), the World Handball Championship held in Algeria finished in the sixth place, which is a historic result and the best ranking of a Macedonian national team in the world championships. In the match for 5th place afternoon, Macedonia lost to Hungary with 26:22 (14:11). The selectors of the coach Ilija Temelkovski started the final match of the championship well and to the middle of the first part the two teams changed in the lead. In the 18th minute it was 9: 9, and t…
On the 23rd edition of the Sarajevo Film Festival, which will be held from 11th to 18th August 2017, Macedonia will be present with 5 films that have received support from the Macedonian Film Agency. In the official selection for feature films, Bulgarian-Macedonian-German co-production “Directions” by Stefan Komandarev, will take part. This film had his premiere at this year's Cannes Film Festival in the program Un certain regard. In the official selection for the documentary films, Macedonia will participate with the film “Avec L…
Last night, the Central Committee (CC) of VMRO-DPMNE decided that the party will not support the agreement on good neighborly relations with Bulgaria in the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia, VMRO-DPMNE announced today. The statement said that it is good to sign a good neighborly agreement with Bulgaria, in order to strengthen the cooperation and friendship between the countries, and of course, because of Bulgaria’s announcement that they would support Macedonia’s path to full membership in NATO and the European Union, however, …
What we predicted would happen under Zaev is happening much faster than anyone could anticipate. Lirim Jakupi – Nazi convicted in Macedonia for attack and murder of Macedonian policemen in 2004 and 2014 has been freed by a Kosovo Court. MINA reported nearly 8 years ago that Jakupi was recruited by the CIA back in 2000 and was heavily involved in numerous terrorist attacks on Macedonian police. Skopje based Courts tried and convicted Jakupi in absentia to 30 years prison sentence. As is the norm with CIA assets who are recruited to com…
OMO Ilinden – Pirin from Bulgaria, the Macedonian international movement for human rights from Canada, the Australian – Macedonian committee for human rights and the Macedonian Alliance for a European Integration of Albania, today by issuing a joint statement have condemned the content in the Agreement with Bulgaria, that doesn’t contribute to the good neighborly relations, the promotion of better relations and the Euro-integration of Macedonia. The organizations have remarked that with the Agreement, Macedonia is doing a step towards…
Last night, VMRO-DPMNE voted 19 new members of the party’s Executive Committee (IK). The new Executive Committee doesn’t feature the former ministers Vladimir Peshevski, Emil Dimitriev, Zoran Stavrevski, Gordana Jankulovska, Mile Janakieski, Kiril Minovski, Martin Protogjer and Sasho Mijalkov. The former UBK head Mijalkov, previously announced that he is withdrawing from all party functions. Of previous members, in the Executive Committee remain Ilija Dimovski, Vladimir Gjorcev, Nikola POposki, Nikola Todorov, Daniela Rangelova and Ko…
Alkaloid, Macedonia's largest pharmaceuticals company, reported sales of 3,507 billion denars (60 million EUR) in the first half of 2017. That represents an increase of 8 percent compared to the same period last year. Pre-tax profits were at 649 million denars (10,6 million EUR), an increase of 11 percent, while net profits were at 374 million denars (6,1 million EUR). Sales rose by 7 percent in the domestic market and exports were up by 10 percent. Exports amounted to 61 percent of total sales. Balkan counties acounted for 32 perce…
A convoy of 120 vehicles with 300 US Army soldiers crossed into Macedonia from Bulgaria on Friday. The soldiers, who are part of an engineering unit will take part in the Dragoon Guardian 17 military exercise, and have traveled through a number of Eastern European countries in a show of resolve in light of the regional security challenges. The exercise, which will be held together with 100 Macedonian soldiers, will take place in the Krivolak army training grounds. The US unit will in the meantime tour a number of cities, showcasing it…
Beginning on Friday, Skopje hosts the three days long Balkans U-22 beach volleyball championship. Fourteen teams will participate in the men’s competition, including two national teams from Macedonia. In the women’s competition there are 12 teams, including again two representing Macedonia. Games begin at 14h at the Skopje City Park beach volleyball center on the Vardar river.
The 9th edition of “Krusevo-ethno city” event kicked off late Wednesday in celebration of the traditions and customs of Krusevo. Natives of Krusevo dressed in authentic clothes of Ottoman Turks and Macedonian revolutionary fighters, representing their fight for freedom, paraded around Krusevo, in commemoration of the anniversary of the Ilinden uprising that took place on August 2, 1903. Opening the event Krusevo mayor Gjorgji Damceski said that the event has the appearance of a big stage scene, with authentic scenery and costumes,…
The mining town of Probistip expects more than 10.000 visitors during its Summer Festival that begins on Friday and lasts through the weekend. Known for presenting only Macedonian music stars and DJs, the festival will be opened by Dragan B. Kostic and Dragan Mijalkovski. The second evening will feature Aneta, Molika, Viktorija Loba and Area. On Sunday, the evening begins with Antonija Angelovska, followed by Andrijana Janevska, Tamara Todevska and the Nokaut band. Dozens of stands will provide food and drinks during the music festival.…
Macedonia is the next country that should be joining NATO, stated the former NATO commander James Stavridis for Voice of America. “I hope that Greece will be able to work with Macedonia in finding a solution for the name dispute which will open the door for Macedonia to join NATO. I think Macedonia is the next country that will join the Alliance,” said general Stavridis, saying also that the next steps would be towards unification and strengthening of the Balkans region. He reminded that even VP Mike Pence, who at the start of the…
On top of the billboards set across town in expectation of the UEFA Super Cup on August 8th, the Skopje Kale Fortress will also be illuminated in the colors of the Cup. Besides the Philip II of Macedon arena, football fans can also watch the game between Real Madrid and Manchester United at the central Macedonia Square. A fan zone will be set up, with musicians and DJs, for a party that will begin a day ahead of the match.
A group of 26 distinguished historians signed a petition against “attempts to redefine, change and falsify Macedonian history”, whose ultimate goal, the petition says, is to destroy the Macedonian nation and its defining features. “We stand athwart a final solution attempt at the Macedonian issue, which can have disastrous consequences for the Republic of Macedonia and for the Macedonian people. As Macedonian intellectuals, historians and university professors, we strongly reject the attempts to change the name of our state – Macedoni…
The Bulgarian government approved at Wednesday's session the Agreement on friendship, good neighborly relations and cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia, the government's press office has said. "The signing of the friendship treaty with Macedonia reflects Bulgaria’s will to build modern neighbourly relations based on the European values", said Prime Minister Boyko Borisov during the session. Borisov added that several Bulgarian governments invested efforts over the years in the negotiations, taking into con…
President Gjorge Ivanov called on the government Tuesday to publicize and elaborate the wording of Macedonia-Bulgaria agreement on good-neighborly relations ahead of its initialing. Ivanov considers that the lack of transparency has provoked unfavorable comments and concern among general public, which 'should be overpowered by publicizing the document,' the President's Office said in a press release. Macedonia's national interests should always be taken into consideration and any inter-state agreement must not jeop…
An exhibit of photographs and installations, along with screening of a documentary launches project "European Capital of Culture" in the Skopje-based Youth and Culture Centre on Wednesday. The project, running through August 4, aims at stimulating and supporting the cultural development of Skopje and linking representatives of all culture-related institutions towards drafting a thorough, authentic and competitive programme and applying for title "European Capital of Culture". End
On Wednesday Macedonia's capital Skopje commemorates 54 years since the disastrous earthquake of 1963. The early morning quake killed 1.070 people, many of whom were sleeping in their homes, and caused injuries to 3.000. Much of the city was destroyed, including some well known landmarks. The quake was felt on 50.000 square kilometers, and the ground reverberated from 5:17h until 5:43h. It destroyed 15.800 apartments and damaged 28.000. More than 200.000 people were left homeless. The disaster sparked immediate outpouring of solid…
FC Vardar has a positive result in their first home game against Danish champion FC Copenhagen. After going into half time with a goalless draw, it was the Macedonian champion who pressed forward in the second half looking for a winner. And they got it, courtesy of Jonathan Balloteli who connected well on a rebound in the penalty box. Vardar could have easily double their lead via substitute Kobijasich, however the Copenhagen goalie saved his team from going down 2-0. In the end, the Macedonian champ certainly had luck on its side w…
Albania and Macedonia have no open issues and want to strengthen cooperation as the only certain path towards the Euro-Atlantic integration, two countries’ foreign ministers Ditmir Bushati and Nikola Dimitrov said after Tuesday’s meeting in Tirana. Both ministers announced holding of a joint session between two governments in autumn in Pogradec which would focus on projects for development of the two countries and the entire region. After the meeting in Trieste, today we agreed to hold a joint session of the governments in autumn …
The Youth Chamber Orchestra of the Turkish cultural organization Turskoy yesterday in Skopje gave a classical music concert that was organized in cooperation with the Skopje-based office of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey and the culture and information department of the Turkish embassy to Macedonia. The Youth Chamber Orchestra of Turskoy consists of 24 musicians from seven countries. In addition to performing in Turkey, the orchestra has held concerts in London and New York. Its Skopje concert was part of a Balkan t…
Five best students of information technology and communications will enjoy a two-week visit to China under the Huawei Seeds for the Future Program. The program stimulates countries from various countries to take part in the development of digital society, Zhou Jiadong Country Manager at Huawei Technologies, said Monday at a voucher presentation ceremony. ‘This program has enabled Huawei to cooperate with Macedonia’s government in sharing its experience with information and innovative technologies. Huawei has also facilitated the t…
Macedonian-UK video and digital asset monetization company InPlayer plans to expand its operations and triple its team in Skopje to 100 from 35 by end-2018, Macedonian media reported on Monday. The company plans to increase its personnel to 50 by the end of 2017, MIA news agency reported. The company operates offices in Macedonia, the US and the UK. Founded in 2010, InPlayer is a digital asset monetization platform providing clients opportunity to profit from their library of online media assets, be they live, recurring or on-de…
The Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) informed the Macedonian Government that it will not allow a delegation led by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev to visit the St. Prohor Pcinjski monastery on Ilinden, to mark the anniversary of the 1944 ASNOM assembly in which Macedonian statehood was declared. The Serbian Church has continuously banned Macedonia from celebrating the greatest Macedonian national holiday - Ilinden - in the monastery where the ASNOM assembly took place. Serbian Patriarch Irinej cited alleged poor treatment of Serbian priests i…
Picture of the Day - Macedonian Fried Chicken seen in Skopje, Macedonia.
German saxophone quarter SIGNUM performs on Monday evening at the St. Sophia cathedral in Ohrid, as part of the Ohrid Summer Festival. It will be followed by a concert by Goce Stefkoski septet. The team of young musicians was formed in Cologne in 2006, and has since performed across Europe. In Ohrid they will perform works from Ravel, Shostakovich, Gershwin and others. Their concert begins at 20:30h. Goce Stefkoski takes the stage at 22h. Best known for his work as drummer and percussionist with Kiril Dzajkovski, Leb i Sol, Arhang…
The first qualifying match between Vardar and Copenhagen on Tuesday has been declared a high risk match, prompting elevated security measures. Fans are asked to come to the Philip II of Macedon stadium no later than 19:30, when the doors will close. Fans are also urged not to bring any hard objects such as lighters and coins with them. Tickets are on sale on Monday and Tuesday between 12h and 19h. The game begins at 20h.
Next year could be crucial for the resolution of a longstanding dispute between Greece and Macedonia regarding the official name of the state, diplomatic sources have indicated to “Kathimerini”. Officials in Europe and Washington believe that there could be an opportunity to solve the dispute for the name in the period between local elections in October this year and presidential elections in 2019 in Macedonia. “Hopes of a solution were raised after Social Democrat Prime Minister Zoran Zaev formed a government in June, following m…
Turkey, Cyprus and Macedonia's name issue were tackled during Friday's discussions of High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, MIA reports from Athens. After the meetings, Mogherini highlighted the Balkans' importance and said the region would be EU's priority. She voiced assurance for progress in the name talks and the Pristina-Belgrade dialogue in the coming months. FM Kotzias s…
Police have found weapons and ammunition in a canal beside a dirt road near village Blace, in the vicinity of the regional road leading to Kosovo. "The units found two rocket launchers M57, seven hand grenades, five hand grenade lighters, Chinese-made machine gun, Russian-made machine gun, automatic rifle AK, three empty automatic rifle cases, and three bags containing 2,141 bullets of caliber 7,62mm", the Ministry of Interior said in a press release. An on-site investigation has been carried out, whereas the weapons and…
FK Shkendija Tetovo played 1-1 on a visit to Helsinki and with a total of 4-2 placed in the third qualifying round of the Europa League. The Macedonian vice-champion managed to keep the advantage of the first match they won with 3-1, against Helsinki played 1-1 and secured a ranking in the next qualifying round. Helsinki was the first to rejoice on this match, but their goal was work of a player of Shkendija, Radeski put the ball in the net for 1-0. Shkendija played well better in the second half and in the 71st minute through…
With a concert of complex and magnificent pieces for orchestras, the Macedonian Philharmonics will open the 2017/2018 concert season on September 21, it announced Friday after completing the program for the new season that features many premieres and never-before-performed works. Violinists Sergey Krylov, Alena Baeva and Nikita Boriso-Glebsky from Russia and Russian pianist Boris Berezovsky are some of the few artists who are slated to grace the concert hall of the new Macedonian Philharmonics building in Skopje. A concert is als…
Mex Rent A Car has launched in Macedonia at Skopje Airport. With this new location, Mex now has affiliates in three countries within Europe: Romania, Iceland, and now Macedonia. “As a company with regional ambitions, our goal is to work with companies and networks who have wider presence on the global rent a car market,” said Mex Rent A Car’s Macedonia’s affiliate. “It’s imperative for us to acquire and exchange our experiences in an effort to provide the greatest and most satisfying service we can to a wide range of clientele.” M…
The first Wizz Air flight from Skopje landed at Malta International Airport last week, establishing another bridge with the Balkan peninsula. Flights to the Macedonian capital will be taking off from the airport every Monday and Friday. Located at the foot of Mount Vodno, Skopje is home to around half a million inhabitants. While a number of hiking trails lead up to the mount's peak, from where Skopje can be enjoyed from a different angle, less adventurous holidaymakers can easily get to the top via cable car. A visit to the o…
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has announced that Italian Gianluca Rocchi will referee the 2017 UEFA Super Cup between Real Madrid and Manchester United. The 43-year-old Rocchi has been an international referee since 2008 and is set to take charge of his 73rd UEFA match, which will be held in Skopje, Macedonia, on August 8, UEFA announced on its website on Thursday, reports Efe. Rocchi officiated at nine European club competition matches in 2016-17, including the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals second leg …
A drawing of the Macedonian flag by a 10 year old girl from SOS Children's Village Skopje, Macedonia. See also a wonderful painting of a Macedonian flag by 12 year old boy HERE
The talks on Macedonia's NATO accession had accelerated sharply, and were expected to end in three or four months in autumn, Russian agency 'Sputnik' reports, citing a European diplomatic source. - The issue of Macedonia choosing a provisional name and its NATO accession may be resolved in three or four months. a European diplomatic source told Sputnik. The source told Sputnik that the talks had accelerated sharply, and were expected to end in three or four months in autumn. The issue of Skopje’s accession to the allia…
Poets, musicians and artists from Macedonia and abroad will take part at the 29. Velestovo Poetry Night, held in village Velestovo and Ohrid on July 21-23. Jazz concert of band "Karavanija" will open the programme on Friday evening, along with a poetry portrait of Risto Vasilevski and exhibit of academic painter Emil Sulajkovski. Poetry readings and book promotions are also part of the event, which is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Ohrid municipality and Komercijalna Banka.
The Albanian language will be promoted as second state language before the local elections, said PM Zoran Zaev, who also said that by doing so, he will not lose votes from citizens either from the Macedonian or Albanian ethnic communities. “One thing is for sure. The government will pass the law before the local elections and if we are ready it shall pass at the Parliament. Just follow us and you shall see how the number of votes from the Macedonians, Albanians, the Turks and the Serbs will increase for this coalition”, said Zaev. …
A weekend filled with jazz music is being prepared for the 57th Ohrid Summer Festival. The annual event in the Macedonian resort city will see performances by Dominic J Marshall, a Dutch-British trio, and MOMB Denmark & Pumperzz of the Fall (Macedonia and Denmark) on Friday, and Heli Siekkinen of Finland on accordion and T.A.O. from Denmark on Saturday. The weekend segment, a novelty introduced at this year’s edition of the Ohrid Summer Festival, closes on Sunday with concerts by Project Hideaway (US & UK) and the US band …
Due to the military pressure of extremists from the ISIS, in 2016, Europe was targeted by massive terrorist threats, US State Department said in a report on terrorism, adding that threats continue to the present day. In the report on Macedonia it is stated that the Macedonian authorities estimate that ISIS members and supporters are still in the country. The State Department recalls that in 2016 Macedonia carried out three different anti-terrorist actions, one in coordination with the authorities of Albania and Kosovo, which led to th…
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