THE WAR IN UKRAINE IS CLOSING TO ITS END – MACEDONIA TO HURRY UP!
If in the coming period there really is a ceasefire and a final peace agreement in Ukraine, Europe will enter a completely new political and economic era. For millions of people it will be good news because of peace and stability. But for countries that know how to think strategically, it will also be a historic economic opportunity. The challenge is for Macedonia to be ready!
Economic opportunity for Macedonia: Ukraine will become the biggest
European construction site in the coming decades
Talks between major world powers and diplomatic initiatives, which have intensified in the last period, indicate that there is a serious political will to open a peace process. At the same time, it can be concluded from the statements of relevant officials that the communication between certain security structures of the warring parties has never completely stopped. All this shows that an environment is being created in which peace negotiations are no longer a distant possibility, but a real scenario. If there is a lasting peace, Ukraine will become the largest European construction site in the coming decades. Billions of euros will be needed to reconstruct infrastructure, energy, transport, housing, agriculture, digital systems and industry. It will be one of the largest economic projects on the European continent since World War II.
Macedonia has no right to sleep on the historical moment
In such circumstances, our country must not be satisfied with only declarative support for peace. We must not remain bystanders while others prepare for the enormous economic opportunities ahead. Our task is not to wait. Our task is to organize. That is why the preparation for the formation of a Macedonian consortium for Ukraine should start today.
A national project outside of daily politics
This is not a partisan idea. This is not a government or opposition issue. This is a national economic interest. The government, chambers of commerce, business associations, universities, the expert public and the Macedonian business diaspora should immediately sit down at a common table and start creating an institutional platform for entering the Ukrainian market. We need a national coordination center. We need a strategy. We need a map of the capacities that Macedonia can offer.
A vision in the direction of efforts to build the desired national consensus
Individual Macedonian companies will hardly be able to bid for large projects in Ukraine. But if they act united, as a consortium, they can offer complete solutions and be a serious partner of international investors. What’s more, we should also think regionally, for example. If necessary, Macedonian companies should connect with companies from the neighborhood and jointly participate in the tenders that will be opened in post-war Ukraine. In the modern economy, those who organize themselves on time win.
The single European market and the new geopolitical reality
It is extremely important for Macedonia to accelerate its path towards deeper economic integration with the European Union. Entry into the European economic space, access to the single market and the free movement of goods, services and capital will be key prerequisites for our companies to be able to position themselves successfully. If Ukraine really gets an accelerated European path, then Macedonia must show greater ambition and greater readiness. History will not wait long.
It is time for the mobilization of the Macedonian thinking and creative spirit
Today, Macedonia does not lack ideas. It has no shortage of entrepreneurs. It has no shortage of engineers, builders, IT companies, agricultural experts, logisticians and visionaries. What we lack is organization. That is why a broad national mobilization of intellectual, creative and economic potential is needed! It is time for the state to gather the best minds. It is time for institutions to show leadership. It’s time for business to show vision. It is time for the public to recognize the magnitude of the opportunity before us.
A call to the public to act now and immediately!
Tomorrow’s opportunities are won with today’s preparations. That’s why the call is clear: To start an initiative to form a Macedonian consortium for Ukraine. To create a national center for coordination of activities. To create a base of companies, experts and capacities. To establish contacts with Ukrainian institutions and business organizations. To prepare specific projects and partnerships even before the end of the war. When peace comes, it will be too late to prepare. Then the one who was prepared will win. That is why Macedonia must start immediately. Not tomorrow. Not next year. Just today. Because in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, a small cake will not be shared. A new economic reality will be built on the European continent. The question is only one: will Macedonia be part of it?
Editorial office “New Macedonia”
IT’S TIME FOR A MACEDONIAN STRATEGY FOR UKRAINE
“National Center for Ukraine””National Center for Ukraine”
Some thoughts on a 10-point action plan
