The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of 9 May, Europe Day, sent a congratulation message to Mr. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council.

Your Excellency,

On behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and in my own name, I would like to offer you my most heartfelt congratulations upon 9 May, Europe Day.

By celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, we honour the noble vision of Europe as a peace project which should bring peace, hope and prosperity to our continent.
Furthermore, Your Excellency, I would like to avail myself of this occasion to offer you my assurances that the Republic of Macedonia will steadfastly continue threading its path of reform with a view to achieving the necessary European standards and criteria, while proceeding, at the same time, to make its own contribution to both regional cooperation and maintaining the stability and prosperity of the entire region of Southeast Europe.

The Republic of Macedonia is prepared to immediately and without any further delay enter the next stage of its integration into the European Union while appealing, however, for international law and obligations assumed under it at the global stage be both observed and adhered to by everyone alike. The Republic of Macedonia calls for being afforded a fair and equitable treatment on the part of both the European leadership and all individual member states of the European Union, expecting them to follow previous positive examples of permitting EU membership candidate countries make further progress in their European integration bid while simultaneously making efforts to resolve their open bilateral issues with particular existing member states of the Union.

Your Excellency, the Republic of Macedonia and the entire region of Southeast Europe need to see their integration into the European Union be accelerated. That is, in and of itself, the best way of allowing the Region become fully and thoroughly consolidated and enter a new stage of greater stability and prosperity all throughout. Consequently, the integration of the Republic of Macedonia and all countries in Southeast Europe into the European Union will naturally lead to the very consolidation of the Union itself, too.

With such expectations, as well as offering my wishes for your good health, personal happiness and further success in your work, I extend to you, Mr. President, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov