Five families from Macedonia have so far requested assistance or support to evacuate from regions affected by wildfires in Greece. The news was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, based on information from the diplomatic and consular mission in Thessaloniki.

Following coordination with the relevant Greek institutions, the families were directed to the nearest designated shelters, where they were accommodated together with other tourists.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade reiterated its appeal to Macedonian citizens in the affected areas who need assistance to call the emergency number +389 75 268 736, email globalsos@mfa.gov.mk, or contact the Consulate of the Republic of North Macedonia in Thessaloniki via the emergency numbers +30 694 526 8068 and +389 71 323 001.

Macedonian citizens in at-risk regions are also urged to closely monitor developments and follow the instructions and recommendations issued by the relevant local authorities.

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A wildfire that broke out today in Halkidiki forced tourists and residents to leave areas at risk. Macedonian citizens are among those who have sought assistance and information.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade announced that Macedonian citizens in the affected areas had contacted the diplomatic and consular mission in Thessaloniki by phone. They were given the recommendations and instructions issued by the relevant Greek authorities.

The number of Macedonian citizens who have left the fire-stricken areas is not yet officially known. The Ministry said that Greek institutions have so far not provided data on evacuated Macedonian citizens.

The most serious situation was recorded in the tourist area of Siviri, in Kassandra, where the fire approached homes and tourist facilities. The danger prompted some tourists and residents to evacuate by land and sea.

Reuters reports that more than 300 people were evacuated from Siviri by boat. The operation involved the Greek Coast Guard, firefighting and patrol vessels, as well as private boats.

More than 140 firefighters were mobilized to tackle the blaze, supported by nine aircraft and seven helicopters. Their efforts were hampered by strong winds, which also accelerated the spread of the fire. One firefighter was injured.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, developments are being monitored continuously through the diplomatic and consular mission in Thessaloniki.

The Ministry urged Macedonian citizens currently in the affected areas of Halkidiki to remain informed about the situation and fully follow the instructions of the local authorities.

For emergency assistance or further information, the Ministry’s and the Thessaloniki Consulate’s duty phone numbers are available: +389 75 268 736, +30 694 526 8068 and +389 71 323 001.

For the time being, it has not been determined how many Macedonian tourists were directly involved in the evacuations.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade described the opposition SDSM’s accusations—that the government is preparing to accept the French proposal and that there are clear signals to this effect from Brussels—as attempts to spread disinformation and fuel hysteria. The ministry also dismissed as untrue claims that the executive is seeking a secret agreement to open negotiations with the European Union.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the institutions maintain regular and transparent communication with the European Union’s member states, including Bulgaria, as well as with other international partners. However, the government’s position on the conditions facing the country during the European integration process has not changed.

“There are no concessions regarding national interests, identity, language or history. Full membership in the European Union remains the strategic commitment and ultimate goal of this government,” the Foreign Ministry said, reiterating that the secret agreements mentioned by SDSM do not exist.

The ministry stressed that, unlike in the past, when agreements and compromises were approved without transparency and to the detriment of national positions, foreign policy is now being conducted responsibly, on the basis of principles and openly before the public, while respecting national interests and the will of citizens.

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Mucunski said after the talks that North Macedonia and the United States share similar positions on a range of issues of political, economic and security importance.

According to him, the discussion took place in an open, friendly and substantive atmosphere, while both sides reiterated their willingness to advance the strategic partnership and bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the citizens of both countries.

The meeting focused on cooperation in defence and within the NATO alliance, as well as economic development, energy and regional connectivity, Mucunski said.

The sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Western Balkans, underlining the role of continued American engagement in preserving the region’s peace, stability and prosperity.

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Asked by “Lokalno” whether the ministry would investigate the possibility that the diplomatic note had come from North Macedonia’s embassy in Bulgaria, Mucunski said: “From an official standpoint, we have closed the topic with Sofia and are awaiting an appropriate response from their side. In my view, it is not in the spirit of friendship and good neighborly relations to say that this is old information; that is not good when it comes to diplomatic communication.”

Last week, Prime Minister Mickoski said he had informed NATO allies about the incident, because, according to him, it involved a case that compromised his security and that of his family.

In its initial response, official Sofia denied that the diplomatic note had been leaked from its Foreign Ministry, arguing that it concerned an event that had taken place some time ago. The case is linked to a trip by the Prime Minister’s wife in January of this year./Telegrafi/

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Following his participation in the Dubrovnik Forum, Mucunski wrote on the US-based social network X that the talks were focused on the future of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, as well as the region’s European perspective.

He stressed that gradual integration can have value as an instrument only if it serves as a bridge to full EU membership, and not as a “permanent waiting room” for countries seeking to join.

Mucunski reiterated North Macedonia’s commitment to continue with reforms and to fully align with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.

According to the Macedonian chief diplomat, the European integration of the Western Balkans is a shared strategic interest that helps strengthen Europe’s security, stability and prosperity.

“The moment for enlargement is here. It depends on all of us to seize this opportunity,” Mucunski said.

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