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Rokas: EU Civil Protection Mechanism Activated to Support RSM

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

At the request of North Macedonia, the Mechanism was activated, confirmed by the EU.

Photo Tanyug

SKOPJE – The EU Ambassador to North Macedonia, Mihalis Rokas, stated that the EU, as a partner to Macedonia, is there with support and assistance from the first moment of the tragedy that occurred in Kočani, in which 59 people lost their lives and 155 were injured.  With expressions of condolences, Rokas stated that the EU has been fulfilling its duty to help North Macedonia as a partner from the very beginning.  “We activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and I am pleased to see that many member countries have immediately offered assistance, and we will continue to do so,” Rokas said after signing the Book of Condolences, which was opened today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.  The EU Ambassador in Skopje added that this is about solidarity and that we should, as she stated, “support each other in such difficult times.”  The Swedish Ambassador to North Macedonia, Ami Larson Jain, emphasized that it is important to be here today and show support to Macedonia in these difficult times.  She stated this after signing the Book of Condolences and highlighted:  “Our hearts are broken over the many lost young lives, as well as the injured. Macedonia requested assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and it was activated yesterday, and we are already working in the EU to find ways to provide support. The Swedish authorities are already part of this assistance, and we are finding ways to provide the best possible support in these times. This is an expression that shows the friendship between North Macedonia and Sweden, as well as other European countries,” noted Larson Jain.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timčo Mućunski, announced today that 51 persons injured in the fire in Kočani were sent abroad for treatment through the Crisis Headquarters that coordinated the process in the last 24 hours. An additional twenty will be transported to hospitals in Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Norway, and Hungary. (March 17)