More than 30 activities are included in this year's celebration of Europe Day (May 9), organised by the EU Delegation to Macedonia in partnership with the Secretariat for European Affairs and the European Movement of Macedonia.

Activities aim at marking the 62nd anniversary of the European Union and at bringing the EU integration process closer to citizens, according to EU Ambassador Aivo Orav.

"The goal of this versatile program on Europe Day is to convey our main message in connection to the European future of this country and to bring EU closer to citizens. Consequently, events are organised in Skopje and in several other municipalities in order to reach as many citizens as possible," Ambassador Orav told a press conference on Monday.

Vice PM for EU Affairs, Teuta Arifi also addressed the news conference underlying the importance of knowing the bulk of the reform process on the road to EU and the significance of their involvement in the process.

"Activities envisaged by this program are an excellent opportunity for us as a country in partnership with representatives not only of the EU Delegation, but also of the EU ambassadors to partake and contribute to the EU integration process in order to be a part of the lives of the citizens," Arifi said.

The Europe Day for the first time this year will be marked with two information campaigns.

The first one titled "The EU in Close-Up" envisages bus trips to be organised in 10 villages across the country. There, inhabitants will have the chance to meet with Ambassador Orav, ambassadors of EU countries, Vice PM Arifi or representatives of relevant institutions.

The second campaign involves a theater play for children "Let me tell you a secret about the environment", which will be performed in 30 villages all over Macedonia in an effort to raise awareness on the importance of ecological topics.

Other events marking Europe Day include debates, lectures, cultural and sporting events.

Activities organised to celebrate Europe Day have started on April 20 and will last until May 30. The main event will be held in Skopje and in seven cities in Macedonia - Kumanovo, Kavadarci, Tetovo, Gostivar, Veles, Bitola and Kocani.