In a stunning development, Kocani’s mayor, Ljupcho Papazov, and two former mayors were arrested for allegedly concealing the illegal operation of a nightclub where a fire killed 59 people last Sunday. As North Macedonia mourns, the student group “Student Plenum” has called for a nationwide lights-out tonight from 20:00 to 21:00, urging citizens to honor the victims in silence and darkness, a call widely embraced across the grieving nation.
Tag: North Macedonia
Turkey is preparing to ratify framework military agreements with Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, enhancing its presence in the region and expanding its influence around Greece. These agreements, signed in 2024, aim to deepen military relations and address regional security threats amidst heightened geopolitical tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister, Timco Mucunski, visited fire victims from Kocani in Thessaloniki hospitals, expressing gratitude for Greece’s support after the tragic nightclub fire that claimed 59 lives.
The devastating fire at a makeshift disco in Kočani, North Macedonia, has claimed another life, raising the death toll to at least 60. Ile Gotchevski, an ambulance driver who transported victims from the blaze, died at home after his shift. The tragedy, marked by a locked exit and safety violations, continues to unravel with tales of loss and allegations of corruption.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, President Constantine Tassoulas, and Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis expressed deep condolences to North Macedonia following a deadly nightclub fire in Kočani. Offering support ranging from rescue teams to medical aid, Greece pledged solidarity with its neighbor as leaders mourned the loss of life and wished a speedy recovery to the injured in the wake of the tragic dawn blaze.
North Macedonia: Death Toll Rises to 59 in Nightclub Fire – Burn Victims Transferred to Thessaloniki
A catastrophic fire in a Kočani nightclub, triggered by indoor pyrotechnics, claimed at least 50 young lives. Panic and a deadly stampede ensued as 1,500 patrons faced an unimaginable tragedy.
A groundbreaking genetic study led by Professor Konstantinos Triantafyllidis from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki reveals that the DNA of North Macedonians aligns closely with Slavic populations of Central and Eastern Europe, disproving claims of direct lineage to Ancient Macedonians. The research underscores the Greek heritage of Ancient Macedonians, highlighting the persistence of historical and geopolitical tensions in the Balkans.
A United Nations-led meeting about the Cyprus issue is scheduled for March 17-18, with Greece reinforcing its diplomatic position by rejecting a two-state solution for Cyprus. Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis is actively engaging with UN officials and reinforcing alliances while managing regional relations, including with Turkey and North Macedonia.
Greek Easter is the most important religious and cultural celebration in Greece. In 2025, Greek Easter is celebrated on the 20th of April. Here are some of the unique Greek Orthodox Easter traditions and customs.
North Macedonia’s Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, has suggested that Greece might harbor a guilty conscience over its approach to the “Macedonian issue.” He emphasized that this issue remains unresolved until North Macedonia achieves its strategic goal of EU membership, citing human rights concerns and questioning Greece’s commitment to the Prespa Agreement.
The Greek Foreign Ministry has condemned recent statements by North Macedonia’s Prime Minister in the United States as a provocation and an attempt to revive a long-settled issue. Citing the importance of respecting the Prespa Agreement, Athens stressed that bilateral relations and North Macedonia’s European aspirations depend on avoiding irredentist claims and honoring past commitments.
North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski called for “unconditional” support from Greece and Bulgaria for North Macedonia’s EU accession, citing existing treaties. However, Bulgarian caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev reiterated Bulgaria’s unchanged position and called for a more constructive dialogue.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed key issues during the EU Summit in Brussels, emphasizing Greece’s role in ensuring Syria’s territorial integrity, the importance of safeguarding Cyprus’ sovereign rights, and addressing the EU’s defense strategy. Mitsotakis also stressed the need for a European defense fund, reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to the Prespa Agreement with North Macedonia, and discussed voluntary refugee returns from Syria while prioritizing the protection of religious minorities in the region.
North Macedonia’s Prime Minister, Kristijan Mitsotakis, sparked controversy at the EU-Western Balkans Summit by referring to “Macedonia” and “Macedonian citizens,” violating the Prespa Agreement. Greece warned of consequences for this breach of the agreement, which aims to resolve the naming dispute between the two countries. Bulgaria also blocks North Macedonia’s EU accession due to disagreements over minority rights.
Renowned stand-up comedian Jimmy Carr recently stirred reactions during his Balkan tour with a controversial social media post. Known for his edgy humor, Carr’s comments on Alexander the Great while in North Macedonia and Serbia sparked debates but also became his most engaged post, drawing attention from fans and critics alike.
In a wide-ranging interview, PM Mitsotakis addresses key issues including his 2027 re-election bid, the Parthenon Marbles, relations with Turkey and Albania, and the Thessaloniki Metro inauguration.
Marta Kos, the new EU Enlargement Commissioner, has called on North Macedonia to amend its constitution to advance its EU accession process, emphasizing the importance of resolving historical and linguistic disputes with Bulgaria to lift the veto on membership talks
Greek Ambassador Sophia Philippidou met with North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation between the two countries. Key topics included North Macedonia’s European integration, the implementation of the Prespa Agreement, and opportunities for collaboration in areas such as trade, infrastructure, education, and tourism.
Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis notes that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip…
Deputy Minister of National Defence Ioannis Kefalogiannis, joined by General Dimitrios Choupis, met with a delegation from the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (WHIA) on Tuesday. The discussions covered key geopolitical issues including the conflict in Ukraine, regional tensions, and Greece-Türkiye relations. Kefalogiannis praised the WHIA’s role in connecting Greece with its diaspora and advancing national interests.