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For the First Time, the Official Website of Pustec Municipality Will Be Available in Macedonian, Following a Request by the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana

Pustec Municipality has accepted the request submitted by the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana for the Municipality’s official website to be made available not only in Albanian but also in Macedonian.

This initiative by the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana will make it possible, for the first time, for the official website of Pustec Municipality to provide information in the Macedonian language as well.

Following the official request submitted by the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana to the Mayor of Pustec Municipality, the Chairperson of the Municipal Council, and the members of the Council, as well as a complaint filed with the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and the People’s Advocate of the Republic of Albania, Pustec Municipality has responded positively, confirming that its official website will also be available in Macedonian.

The Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana welcomes this positive response, which comes following its institutional commitment and persistent efforts to ensure respect for the linguistic rights of the Macedonian national minority in the Republic of Albania.

The association’s initiative was based on Law No. 96/2017, “On the Protection of National Minorities in the Republic of Albania,” which guarantees the rights of national minorities, including the right to use their own language when communicating with local government authorities in areas where they traditionally reside.

The inclusion of the Macedonian language on the official website of Pustec Municipality for the first time, as a result of the request submitted by the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana, will enable citizens to be better informed, facilitate access to public information, and improve communication between citizens and local institutions.

The Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana considers the acceptance of this request a tangible achievement resulting from its commitment to protecting the national, linguistic, and cultural identity of Macedonians in the Republic of Albania.

The association expresses its gratitude to the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination for reviewing the complaint and expresses its expectation that Pustec Municipality’s commitment will be implemented in practice, ensuring that citizens have the opportunity to access and receive information in their mother tongue as well.

The Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana will continue its efforts to ensure respect for the rights of the Macedonian national minority and the full implementation of legislation on the protection of national minorities in the Republic of Albania.

President of the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”–Tirana, Nikolla Gjurgjaj participated in the Schleswig-Holstein Dialogue on Strengthening Social Cohesion and Protecting Minority Rights in the Western Balkans

The Schleswig-Holstein – Western Balkans Dialogue, focused on strengthening social cohesion, inclusive governance, and the protection of national minority rights, was held at the Akademiezentrum Sankelmark in Oeversee, Federal Republic of Germany, from November 1 to 4, 2026.

The event brought together high-level representatives from Germany, Denmark, and countries of the Western Balkans—including Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. The core themes of the dialogue centered on exchanging experiences, sharing best practices, and promoting international cooperation regarding the protection of minority rights.

The sole representative from the Republic of Albania was Nikolla Gjurgjaj, President of the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”–Tirana and a representative of the Macedonian national minority in the Republic of Albania. His participation represented an important opportunity for the international recognition of the Macedonian national minority in the Republic of Albania, as well as for representing its interests and perspectives in discussions regarding equality, inter-ethnic dialogue, and social cohesion.

Photo: The Macedonian newspaper “Ilinden”

High-level participants included Bekim Sali, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia; Agon Ferati, Minister for Inter-Community Relations of the Republic of Macedonia; Dirk Schroedter, Head of the State Chancellery and Minister for Digitalization of Schleswig-Holstein; Johannes Kalsen, Commissioner for National Minorities of Schleswig-Holstein; Nenad Rashić, Minister for Communities and Returns of the Republic of Kosovo; and Elbert Krasniqi, Minister of Local Government Administration of the Republic of Kosovo.

The dialogue showcased successful practices from the region, including the establishment of an Office of the Commissioner for National Minorities in Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the creation of a platform for dialogue between the Municipality of Tetovo and Roma organizations. The Schleswig-Holstein – Western Balkans Dialogue was organized in cooperation with the Minority Competence Network of Schleswig-Holstein and Southern Denmark (MKN), implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), with the support of the State of Schleswig-Holstein.

The Macedonian Association “Ilinden”–Tirana Marks October 23 – The Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle

The Macedonian Association “Ilinden”–Tirana extends its sincere greetings on the occasion of October 23 – The Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle.

On October 23, 1893, in the home of Ivan Hadzhi Nikolov in Thessaloniki, Hristo Tatchev, Dame Gruev, Petar Pop Arsov, Anton Dimitrov, and Hristo Botandzhiev founded the Macedonian Revolutionary Committee, from which the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (VMRO) was later formed.

This historic act represents a significant milestone in the development of the organized Macedonian revolutionary movement, which aimed for the liberation of Macedonia through its own forces. Macedonians from Albania also took part in the struggle for freedom, dignity, and national rights, contributing to the Macedonian revolutionary movement.

On the occasion of this significant historical date, the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”–Tirana calls for the respect and preservation of historical heritage, national identity, language, and culture, as well as for the cultivation of the values ​​of freedom, unity, and dignity.

Happy October 23 – The Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle!

Macedonian Association “Ilinden”–Tirana
President Nikolla Gjurgjaj

The Federal Union of European Nationalities has published a resolution regarding Macedonians in Albania in three languages: English, German, and Russian

The resolution by the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN)—which supports Macedonians in the Republic of Albania in their efforts to overcome various challenges—has been published in three languages: English, German, and Russian. The resolution, proposed by the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”–Tirana, was adopted unanimously at the 70th Congress held in Helsinki, Finland.

This is truly good news for us, as the text of the resolution now provides an opportunity to raise awareness about many minorities around the world.

On behalf of the Macedonian Association “Ilinden” and the Macedonian national minority in the Republic of Albania, the resolution—among other things—calls upon the Government of the Republic of Albania to sign and ratify the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages; to take effective measures to protect the Macedonian identity from denial and assimilation; to ensure that the Municipality of Pustec remains a distinct unit of local self-government within the framework of the new administrative-territorial reform; and to rename the Municipality of Pustec to the Municipality of Prespa, stated Gjurgjaj. FUEN submitted the Resolution to the Government of the Republic of Albania, the President, the Parliament, and international institutions.

English: https://fuen.org/assets/upload/editor/docs/doc_lQNhcA9k_Resolutions%202026%20EN_web.pdf

German: https://fuen.org/assets/upload/editor/docs/doc_vMpXvOCS_Resolutions%202026%20DE_web.pdf

Russian: https://fuen.org/assets/upload/editor/docs/doc_15stWeCP_Resolutions%202026%20RUS_web.pdf

The Resolution was adopted unanimously at the 70th FUEN Congress, held in Helsinki, Finland, which was attended by representatives from 100 member organizations across 38 European countries.

The Macedonian Association “Ilinden”–Tirana has been an equal member of FUEN since mid-May 2015, becoming the first Macedonian association to hold equal membership with full voting rights.

Macedonian Association “Ilinden”–Tirana Supports the Initiative to Include the Prespa Region on the UNESCO World Heritage List

The Macedonian Association “Ilinden”–Tirana welcomes and supports the initiative of Albania, Macedonia, and Greece to include the Prespa Region on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The Macedonian Association “Ilinden”–Tirana welcomes the Declaration on the Joint Preparation of the Nomination of the Prespa Region for the UNESCO World Heritage List, signed by Blendi Gonxhja, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports of Albania; Sedat Sulejmani, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Macedonia; and Lina Mendoni, Minister of Culture of Greece.

The Prespa Region represents an extraordinary natural, historical, and cultural treasure that connects all three countries. Its unique natural values, biodiversity, and rich cultural heritage are of particular importance not only to local communities, but also to the wider region and to Europe’s cultural and natural heritage.

The Macedonian Association “Ilinden”–Tirana considers this initiative an important step towards strengthening cross-border cooperation, jointly protecting and promoting natural and cultural heritage, and creating new opportunities for the local population through the development of sustainable tourism.

The inclusion of the Prespa Region on the UNESCO World Heritage List would contribute to raising its international profile, strengthening the protection of its outstanding values, and promoting sustainable economic development, while fully respecting the nature, traditions, and cultural identity of local communities.

The Macedonian Association “Ilinden”–Tirana expresses its full support for all efforts aimed at preserving our shared natural and cultural heritage and advancing cooperation between Albania, Macedonia, and Greece.

Protecting the Prespa Region is a shared responsibility and an important investment in the future, in the interests of present and future generations.

 

Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana                                                                                               

President Nikolla Gjurgjaj

Happy October 11th – The Day of the Macedonian People’s Uprising!

The Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana extends its best wishes to all Macedonians on October 11th—the day in 1941 when the Macedonian people rose up against Nazi and Fascist occupiers, launching the struggle for freedom and independence.

Macedonians from Albania, standing shoulder to shoulder with their compatriots, served in Macedonian partisan units during World War II, making a significant contribution to the fight to liberate Macedonia from Nazi-Fascist occupation.

We honor with deep respect all the brave fighters who gave their lives for the freedom, independence, and self-determination of the Macedonian people. Let us forever preserve the Macedonian identity, language, culture, and historical heritage!

Happy October 11, 1941!

Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana
President Nikolla Gjurgjaj

President of the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana, Nikolla Gjurgjaj, met with Parthenij, Bishop of Antania and Abbot of the “St. John the Baptist” Monastery – Bigorski Monastery

President of the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana, Nikolla Gjurgjaj, visited the Bigorski Monastery.

During the visit, Gjurgjaj met with Parthenij, Bishop of Antania and Abbot of the “St. John the Baptist” Monastery – Bigorski Monastery.

“It is always a special pleasure for me to meet with Parthenij, Bishop of Antania and Abbot of the Bigorski Monastery, as well as with the fathers of the Holy Bigorski Monastery,” said Gjurgjaj.

Gjurgjaj reported that the meeting covered the challenges faced by Macedonians in Albania, as well as the activities of the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana.

During the cordial conversation, a shared commitment was expressed toward fostering cooperation and continuing the support that the Bigorski Monastery provides to churches in areas of Albania inhabited by Macedonians.

“The Bigorski Monastery remains an important source of support for Macedonians in Albania, and our goal is for this cooperation to continue and be further promoted,” emphasized Gjurgjaj.

The Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana condemns Sofia’s attempts to exploit the health of the residents of Pustec Municipality

The Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana strongly condemns Sofia’s attempts to exploit the health of the residents of the Municipality of Pustec.

On September 25–26, 2026, medical examinations were conducted by Bulgarian doctors at the state clinic in Pustec. It is evident to everyone that the Bulgarian state has exerted unprecedented pressure on Macedonians in the Republic of Albania for years.

It is also clear to Macedonians throughout the Republic of Albania that the campaign for free medical examinations is yet another ploy to induce the population of the Prespa region to declare themselves as Bulgarian.

The Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana expresses its regret that the Municipality of Pustec allows itself to be blackmailed by Bulgarian politicians at the expense of Macedonians in the Republic of Albania and submits to this blackmail. Moreover, it is the Macedonian national minority in the Republic of Albania that pays the price for this blackmail from Sofia.

The Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana calls upon Albanian and European institutions to address the unscrupulous attacks by Bulgarian emissaries against Macedonians in the Republic of Albania.

We wish to remind you that the failure of state institutions to protect their own citizens has led to the assimilation of the Macedonian national minority in the Republic of Albania.

Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana

The Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana wishes you a happy ​​September 26th European Day of Languages

The Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana wishes you a happy European Day of Languages. In marking this occasion, we wish to emphasize the importance of education in one’s mother tongue, as it is a crucial element in fostering the fundamental characteristics of a nation.

Learning and being educated in one’s mother tongue also strengthens and preserves national and cultural identity. The importance of linguistic diversity and multilingualism is highlighted on the European Day of Languages—celebrated annually on September 26th with various events—an initiative launched by the Council of Europe in 2002.

The Council of Europe, representing 800 million Europeans across 47 countries, encourages all Europeans to learn more languages ​​at any age, whether in or out of school.

Linguistic diversity is a means of achieving greater intercultural understanding and a vital part of the European continent’s rich heritage, fostering multilingualism across Europe. Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana

Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana
Chairman Nikolla Gjurgjaj

Dr. Ilir Shyta of TV SOT 7 Receives the “Ilinden” Certificate for 2026

Dr. Ilir Shyta, a journalist at the SOT 7 television station, was honored with the “Ilinden” Certificate of Appreciation for 2026, an award presented by the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana.

The certificate was presented to Shyta today in Korçë by Vasil Sterjovski, Chairman of the Alliance of Macedonians for European Integration (AMIE), acting on behalf of the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana.

The award recognizes his professional commitment to journalism and his contribution to publicizing and promoting the truth regarding the history, culture, and traditions of Macedonians in Albania.

Sterjovski congratulated Dr. Ilir Shyta on the honor, highlighting his dedication to informing the public about issues concerning the Macedonian community in Albania.

“I congratulate Dr. Ilir Shyta on receiving the ‘Ilinden’ Certificate. His professional dedication and interest in the history, culture, and traditions of Macedonians in Albania represent a significant contribution to their promotion and to familiarizing the general public with the Macedonian heritage in Albania,” Sterjovski emphasized. The “Ilinden” Certificate is awarded in recognition of individuals who, through their efforts, contribute to the promotion and preservation of Macedonian identity, culture, language, history, and tradition.