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North Macedonia asked the EU for help regarding the tragedy at the nightclub in Kocani

by AI | 17.Mar 2025 | Europe in brief AI

In a fire at a nightclub in the city of Kočani in the eastern part of North Macedonia, which broke out on Sunday around three o’clock in the night, at least 59 people died, and over 150 were injured.

Remnants of the burned nightclub in Kočani in North Macedonia, 16.03.2025. Photo: MIA/Aslan Vishko

Brussels – The European Union received a request from North Macedonia for assistance in dealing with the aftermath of the nightclub fire in Kocani, a European Commission spokesperson confirmed to MIA.

Earlier, the European Commission informed that the EU is ready to assist the country through its Civil Protection Mechanism, if requested.

In a fire in a nightclub in the town of Kocani in the eastern part of North Macedonia, which broke out on Sunday around 3 AM, at least 59 people died, and over 150 were injured.

The EU’s highest representatives expressed condolences, solidarity, and grief over the tragedy.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed regret over the tragedy in Kocani and expressed condolences for the victims.- “I mourn the tragic loss of lives in the Kocani fire. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims and all affected. The EU stands in solidarity with the people of North Macedonia during this difficult time,” said von der Leyen in a post on X.

The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, said that “the EU stands in solidarity with the people of North Macedonia in this moment of sorrow.” – “My heart is broken by the loss of so many young lives in the horrific fire in Kocani. My thoughts are with all the families of the victims of this tragedy,” said Costa.

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, said that her thoughts “this morning are with the people of North Macedonia and with the families and friends of all those who lost their lives in the terrible fire that broke out last night in Kocani.” – “I wish a speedy recovery to all the injured. Europe mourns with you on this tragic day,” said Metsola in a post on X.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, expressed “deep regret for the tragic fire, which took too many young lives in Kocani.” She also expressed condolences to “all affected by this tragedy” in a post on X and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. – “The EU shares the sorrow and pain of the people in North Macedonia,” added Kallas.

“Deep sorrow” over the tragedy in Kocani and condolences for the victims were also expressed by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. – “We are deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Kocani, North Macedonia, which claimed the lives of too many young people,” said Kos, adding that her thoughts are “with the victims, their loved ones, and the entire community during this terrible tragedy!”

EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management Hadja Labib also expressed regret for the victims and solidarity with North Macedonia. – “Tragedy in Kocani, North Macedonia, where a catastrophic nightclub fire resulted in a large number of casualties and injured. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and emergency teams. The EU is ready to provide support. We stand in solidarity with North Macedonia,” said Labib. (March 16)