EU Ambassador visits Kochani
The visit began at the city cemetery, where Ambassador Rokas and his team laid flowers in memory of the 63 victims in the tragic fire that occurred on 16 March 2025. This was followed by a meeting with the new Mayor of Kochani Mr Vladko Grozdanov, that focused on local priorities, community needs and ongoing EU support for municipal development. During the back-to-back meeting with the Municipal Council views were exchanged with the newly elected councillors on public services, local governance and cooperation with EU-funded initiatives.
In the afternoon, a set of closed-door discussions took place: one with the association of victims’ parents “16 March 2025” and another with a group of survivors from the Kochani tragedy. Both discussions offered safe space for sharing the experience and underline the importance of sustained support and respectful engagement, including at state level. The discussions were facilitated by an expert from the centre for psycho-social and crisis action “CPKA Malinska”, a professional agency that offers psycho-social support to the Kochani community from the very onset of the tragedy.
The visit also pointed to a broad range of EU-supported initiatives planned for Kochani and the wider East region. These include efforts to improve environmental management, upgrade medical equipment in key areas of care, and support energy-efficient renovation of public buildings. Work is also underway on a long-term approach to using Kochani’s thermal waters in a sustainable way.
Youth engagement will be strengthened through a new Europe House in Kochani, creating a space for creativity, learning and community projects. Local civil society and independent media will have access to new funding opportunities, while improving workplace safety remains an important priority for future EU support.
Further cooperation is expected through upcoming expert workshops on healthcare quality and a Team Europe initiative led by Romania.
The visit concluded at “The Nest,” where high-school students joined a Europe House creative workshop using a zine-style game format to explore youth storytelling and design. The activity is part of ongoing cooperation between Europe House and the Kochani community.
In the aftermath of the visit, Ambassador Rokas sends the following message: “Kochani has shown strength in a year marked by devastating loss. Today we came above all to listen and to stand with the community. The commitment of the families, the dedication of local institutions and the energy of young people here are clear. The European Union will remain a reliable partner as Kochani continues to heal and move forward.”