Representatives of over 20 NGOs from Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) met in Struga to create joint projects to reduce prejudice and promote tolerance. The initiative to establish co-operation in the region is part of the Contact for the Common Future organized by the Youth Alliance from Krushevo, the UNESCO Youth Club from Thessaloniki and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. The initial meeting resulted in an agreement to pursue 11 joint projects.

Darios Karpatakis of the Youth UNESCO club in Thessaloniki visited the FYROM for the first time and realized that both countries have many things in common, such as unemployment. “Stereotypes exist among the older people, but not among the youth,” said Karpatakis. The Greek youth representatives said they are willing to assist youth in the FYROM take advantage of the educational and employment opportunities the EU offers.

They hope for peace and collaboration –