Rokas from Kičevo: Without recreational spaces for young people, the solution cannot remain casinos and betting shops

During a visit to the Municipality of Kičevo, EU Ambassador Mihalis Rokas saw firsthand the difficulties this region is facing, at a time he described as important for the country’s aspirations toward the European Union. He also recalled the many projects that have been implemented and continue to be carried out in this area with European funding.

In meetings with the Mayor of the Municipality of Kičevo, Aleksandar Jovanovski, and the municipal council, the talks focused on the benefits of EU membership, as well as the impact of the Union’s financial assistance in this region.

Asked by journalists about the lack of activities and facilities for young people in this area, Rokas said the issue should be addressed jointly and through an inclusive approach. According to him, otherwise the wave of migration will continue to grow.

“It is true that if young people have no other options, if they have no cinema, no sports halls, no place where they can have fun, other than casinos and betting shops, I think they are left with no choice but to migrate, which is another very major social issue. The government must work to find solutions and respond to this. The European Union provides support through youth measures. It also tries to ensure quality education for young people. The European Union works with the Ministry of Education with the aim of preparing good laws that will also create good conditions for education. We also have ERASMUS+ here, which also helps young entrepreneurs open various start-ups,” said EU Ambassador Mihalis Rokas.

For his part, the Mayor of the Municipality of Kičevo, Aleksandar Jovanovski, said Rokas’s presence sends a clear message of cooperation and support.

“With his very presence, Mr. Rokas brought me a message, and the EU is also sending a message to us as a nation, as a state, as a municipality: an outstretched hand for joint cooperation, the advancement of our relations, mutual assistance, and the improvement of living conditions in our municipality and in our country in general,” emphasized the Mayor of the Municipality of Kičevo, Aleksandar Jovanovski.

EU Ambassador Rokas’s stay in Kičevo is part of an informational initiative aimed at bringing the European Union and the country’s integration process closer to local communities. As part of this visit, he also held a meeting with representatives of civil society and took part in an open discussion with the citizens of Kičevo. /rtvm2