The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today in Salzburg was inaugurated as a Protector of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA). In this solemn occasion President Ivanov was presented with the “Manifest of Europe in the 21st century”, prepared by the European academic avant-garde, which contains the message addressed to the European polititioans, to direct their activities towards new strategies which will allow Europe’s progress in conditions of crisis, instead of applying short-term solutions. 
 

With this honorary title, President Ivanov joins the group of protectors of this prestigious academic institution, the protectors of which are several former and current European presidents and sovereigns.

Addressing the present professors, scientists, members of Senate and honorary guests of the EASA’s 22nd plenary session in the University of Salzburg’s amphitheatre, President Ivanov stressed that his inauguration as a Protector of the  European Academy of Sciences and Arts is a great honor, which is not only personal affirmation, but a clear recognition for Republic of Macedonia and the Macedonian people, as well.

Dear President of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, Professor Unger,
Respected members of the European Academy, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure to be here today among you, in the birthplace of Mozart. His presence is especially felt in this ancient University Hall, which still echoes with his eternal music. One could say that in Salzburg we can hear, see and feel the essence of Europe, the art, culture and science. Here we witness Europe’s past deeds, present potentials and future possibilities. They are combined in a vast sum of knowledge passed from one generation to the next by institutions such as the European Academy of Sciences and Arts.

Respected guests,
Being elected protector of this European Academy is a great honor which I humbly accept. This is not only a personal affirmation, but a clear recognition of my country, Macedonia and the Macedonian people. For this, I deeply thank the European Academy and its respected President, Professor Felix Unger. I thank the members who proposed and elected me, the Deans, the Senate and the Presidency.

Be assured that, for me, it is both an honor and responsibility to be a protector of this Academy which connects many respected, dedicated and open minded individuals covering various academic fields.

Excellencies,
I represent Macedonia, a young European country, the homeland of an old European people that still seeks integration in the European family of Nations. I can proudly say that, in the academic, scientific, educational and cultural sense, we are Europe. We can and we want to share our values, knowledge and skills with the members of this progressive family. I look forward to see the day when Macedonia becomes member of the European Union. As a member with shared rights and duties, we would fulfill the dreams of many generations.

Europe nowadays faces many challenges to its economy, governance and responsibility, and European values and principles are at question. I strongly believe that it is the intellectual role of the European Academy to seek answers and propose wise solutions to these issues. Therefore, we must do our best to support the Academy in this important task. In order to achieve this, it is our shared duty to create future for the youth and youth for the future. I will do that, both as a President and educator, as political scientist and active politician, as a Macedonian and European.

Ladies and gentlemen,
My vision and motto have always been: PAX EUROPAEA FIERI NON POTEST SINE BALCANICA PACE. European Peace is unachievable without Balkan Peace. I strongly believe that this Academy can help us achieve European Peace through Balkan Peace.

At the end, I use this opportunity to once again express my gratitude for the great honor you have given me and Macedonia.

Thank you.