Integration, Minister of Culture of Northern Macedonia: We want the EU, but we do not give up our culture

Although you currently have a veto from Bulgaria as a member of the European Union, what is the situation, what is your position as a country?

As our Prime Minister mentioned several times. Yes, our strategic goal is to be part of the EU, but we do not want anything more or less than other EU member states deserve, want or have. We want the recognition of our culture, our language, our ethnicity, and the place we have as Macedonians.

Albania’s support to join the European family is ongoing and now with the Open Balkans. How important is culture in this segment?

I think culture is the part that complements every other segment that is part of the Open Balkans. We have very good cooperation with both ministries of culture of Albania and Serbia. And I can say for sure that culture is going to be the most visible part, alongside the economic side, sports and education.

You are here to attend the Ministerial Roundtable on Culture. What is your view especially on the Western Balkans and as a country?

Such initiatives and meetings are always welcome. Because it is always good to have everyone at a table to exchange ideas and practices. Because we all make deals with certain issues in our country. Therefore it is always good to see what we can improve and who we can help. I think these meetings serve more to the latter.

How challenging are EU cultural projects for you and for associations focusing on young and unemployed artists?

First of all we need to invest in young people in every field, not just art. Northern Macedonia suffered a major brain drain during 2013-2014. We must stop this. But in addition we need to think about cultural heritage. Here we can connect young people with history. I think we can go all over the world, we can work for the most prestigious companies and institutions, but we need to know where we have our roots.

When we visit Northern Macedonia and especially Skopje we see many works of art, do you like them?

Yes. And it is interesting that we already have many young artists and the ministry of culture has a special fund that invests in their work.

What are the challenges you will face by the end of the year in which direction do you want the culture to develop?

I think culture faces the same challenges as all other areas. We have to face a series of crises. But I must say that the culture in Northern Macedonia was the only one that did not have any funding cuts. Because culture is the segment that people needed more than ever during these two years. I think we will have a very interesting summer ahead of us.

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