As part of the NATO week, the Euro – Atlantic Council of Macedonia in cooperation with the Economic Chamber of Macedonia and Faculty for Security – Skopje organized one day scientific conference entitled: “The influence of euro – atlantic integration over the economy of Republic of Macedonia”.



This conference had comprehensive approach to this topic which was best shown by the different spectrum of participants.

Key note speakers in the opening session were:

• •    Mr. Ismet Ramadani, VP of the Euro - Atlantic Council of Macedonia
• •    H.E. Dr. Fatmir Besimi, Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs
• •    H.E. Valon Saraqini, Minister of Economy
• •    Dr. Sasho Stefanovski, State Secretary in the Ministry of Defence
• •    Dr. Goran Rafajlovski, VP of the Economic Chamber of Macedonia

Mr. Ramadani moderated the session and during his opening speech once again reaffirmed the importance of the integration of the Republic of Macedonia in the euro – atlantic family.
The Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs, Dr. Fatmir Besimi confirmed the peace that has been reached in the region, but emphasized, that this peace will only be sustainable with strong economic base.

Mr. Valon Saraqini, the Minister of Economy of the Republic of Macedonia stated that the influence of the euro – atlantic integrations over the economy in Macedonia is multilayered because the integration in NATO and EU will lead to removal of the consistent obstacles, raising the international rating of the country which will increase the opportunities for financial help under favorable conditions from the international financial organizations and will increase the volume of domestic production and employment.

State Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Sasho Stefanovski assessed that security and stability represent primary preconditions for bigger economic development and for positive investing climate. Also he added that Macedonia is ready for taking over the responsibilities and the obligations which come out from the NATO membership since 2008, but there is just one obstacle – the irrational issue with the name of the country.

Dr. Goran Rafajlovski as the representative from the business sector emphasized that there is nothing better than open borders for the business. Republic of Macedonia is small market and therefore NATO opens to us many gates, not just for foreign investments and increasing of the capital, but enables to us to work outside the borders of Macedonia.



On the following sessions there were many different speakers such as:

• •    H.E. Robert Kirnag, Slovak Ambassador to the Republic of Macedonia
• •    Col. Ljube Dukoski, State counselor in the Ministry of Defence
• •    Mr. Marjan Gjurovski, Faculty for Security
• •    PhD Metodi Hadji Janev, military academy, EACM
• •    Mr. Goran Markovski, CEO at KB Publikum Invest - Скопје
• •    PhD Trajan Gocevski, Faculty of Philosophy
• •    Mr. Kire Naumov
• •    Dr. Zoran Kolev
• •    PhD Cane Mojanoski, Faculty for Security
• •    PhD Snezana Mojsoska, Faculty for Security
• •    PhD Marina Malish Sazdovska, Faculty for Security

This scientific conference was also broadcasted live on the Social Media Network – Atlantica!