Today, in the MK-EU Info Centre, Dr. Fatmir Besimi, Deputy Prime Minister of the Government responsible for European Affairs, met with representatives of the newly formed National Youth Council of Macedonia, namely chairperson Ivana Davidovska, deputy chairperson Dona Kosturanova and NYCM management board members Arben Ristemi, Daniel Kalajdzievski and Ivan Jovanov.

At the meeting, the representatives of the National Youth Council presented to Deputy Prime Minister Besimi the idea behind the establishment of the Council, its objectives and tasks, as well as the Council Action Plan for the following 6 months.

“I am truly glad to hear that the envisioned establishment of the Council has finally been accomplished”, stated Deputy Prime Minister Besimi at the meeting, congratulated his guests on the election of the management board and wished them successful work and operation.

During the meeting, the support of the Secretariat for European Affairs for the National Youth Council was confirmed and the possibilities for close cooperation through various joint activities within the project initiative of SEA "Youth for Europe" were discussed.

“We are glad that you are the first governmental institution that has invited us to meet on its own initiative and that you offer support that is of an especial importance for us and for all organisations that are members of the National Youth Council, in particular at this time of our establishment”, stated Ivana Davidovska, chairperson of the National Youth Council of Macedonia.

The National Youth Council of Macedonia is an umbrella organisation, a representative body of the young population, with a mission to represent the interests and needs of the young as a link to all interested parties and to provide their inclusion and active participation in the decision-making process at all levels. The Council consists of 55 organisations (youth organisations, organisations for the young population, associations and youth organisations of political parties).

“The establishment of the National Youth Council represents a step forward towards the EU integration of Macedonia at the level of youth and youth policies. By its active involvement, the NYC aspires to become a partner and a promoter of EU integration and an encouragement for the young to seek, create and follow the latest European trends in the areas affecting them. As an umbrella organisation, we rest available for providing support for all important processes for the young and our EU-integration”, said Ivana Davidovska, chairperson of the National Youth Council of Macedonia.

“I believe in the potential of Macedonian youth and I want it to be put to the best possible use. That is the reason why the Secretariat for European Affairs has an open door policy concerning youth initiatives”, stated Deputy Prime Minister Besimi towards the conclusion of the meeting, when further cooperation meetings were agreed upon.