The “Adenauer 2024” Chair and the Faculty of Law at the University of Goce Delčev organized a debate on the topic “Regional Cooperation and European Integration – The EU Agenda for the Western Balkans.” Students from the law faculties of UGD and UKIM participated, alongside members of parliament, analysts, and diplomats. The importance of European integration from the perspective of higher education was discussed by the Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at UGD, Prof. Dr. Ana Nikodinoska-Krstevska.
“We are especially proud that organizing such events is part of our university agenda, which promotes the European integration process and regional cooperation with the European Union and the Western Balkans. What is discussed, at least from the perspective of universities, and what concerns the University of Goce Delčev, is closer cooperation between the EU on one side, the Western Balkan countries, especially the universities, in higher education, as well as promoting all the activities and benefits of this common educational space. Recent developments in higher education, especially from high-level meetings within the Berlin Process, highlight that parallel to strengthening the regional market within the Western Balkans, new agreements are being signed for mutual recognition of national qualifications and diplomas from universities in these countries. All of this will aim to enhance the movement of people, labor, recognition, enrollment in other universities, and ultimately strengthen the regional and European integration process. Another very important benefit of this European integration process for higher education institutions are the programs implemented through the Erasmus Plus program, which facilitate mobility for students, academic staff, and administrative personnel, promote cooperation in science, education, research, and innovation, and contribute to achieving a level of excellence where universities can compete on European and regional markets while advancing towards green transition, sustainable development, and, of course, digitization.”
The greatest benefit for UGD is its inclusion in the European University Alliance, which is not only a gain for the university but also for the broader local business community and the country as a whole. This alliance, in which UGD is included along with eight universities from other countries, enables the creation of joint diplomas, joint study programs, educational courses, and schools. It allows for competitions where students can prove themselves, collaborate with faculty, and upgrade their skills, even visiting other countries and universities within the Alliance.
The debate featured parliamentarians Marija Petruševska, Monika Zajkova, former diplomat and Minister of Foreign Affairs Vasko Naumovski, with journalist Nora Kaliqi as the moderator.
“We have a great opportunity to debate together with students on an important topic, which is: the European agenda and the Western Balkans. I expect a productive and democratic debate where we can exchange opinions with those who will be the future of our country,” said Marija Petruševska.
This article was translated using ChatGPT.
