The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of May 9th, the Europe Day, sent a congratulation message to H.E. mr. Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council.

Distinguished Mr. President,

It is a great pleasure, on the occasion of 9th of May, Europe Day, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as on my personal behalf, to extend cordial greetings and sincere wishes for prosperity of the European Union and our common home – Europe.

In this solemn occasion, I believe that we need to remember the pledges by the European leadership "to the principles of liberty, democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and of the rule of law". Over the past decades, these principles have brought peace, hope and unity to our continent, to the region of South Eastern Europe and to the Republic of Macedonia and its multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-linguistic society.

I avail myself of this solemn occasion to express our gratitude for the support and guidance the European Union has given the Republic of Macedonia on its path towards European integration. "This Europe remains open to all nations. We profoundly hope that other nations will join us in our common endeavor," reads the Europe Declaration signed by the founding fathers of United Europe in 1951. I want to assure you that, despite the challenges we face, the Macedonian citizens remain committed to attaining the dream of becoming a member of the progressive European family of Nations. I expect that in the forthcoming period we can begin the negotiations for membership, and that, to that end, we will have your support and the support of the partners in the European Union. I want to assure you that in this process we do not seek privileges, but the same criteria that applied for other member-states of the Union.

With such a conviction and with most sincere wishes for future professional successes, good health and personal happiness, I convey to you the assurances of my highest consideration.


Dr. Gjorge Ivanov