Skopje City - Macedonia
Representative: Orce Gjorgjievski, Mayor of Skopje
Skopje, the capital of the Republic of North Macedonia, had 526,502 inhabitants according to the most recent demographic index (2021). However, estimates indicate that the population of the wider metropolitan area approaches 700,000 residents. As the primary cultural, economic, and business hub of the country, Skopje plays a central role in national development processes. Urban security constitutes a significant component of the city's policy framework for sustainable urban development.
The City of Skopje is organized into 20 administrative departments, among which the Department for Protection and Safety is responsible for formulating policies related to protection and safety, rescue operations, crisis management, civil defense, and fire protection. In accordance with relevant legislation, the City of Skopje is integrated into the national institutional network for crisis management.
One of the department's core mandates is the preparation of a Protection and Rescue Plan addressing natural and other types of disasters. Fire protection services in Skopje are organized and provided by the Territorial Fire Brigade, which serves as the principal first-response structure and operates as part of the city administration. The Territorial Fire Brigade is responsible for the entirety of the city's territory and is structured into the Central Station "Avtokomanda" and several sub-centres: "Gjorche Petrov," "Bit Pazar," "Taftalidze," and "Drachevo." These units are strategically located across different parts of the city to ensure comprehensive and timely emergency response.
The City of Skopje has recently participated in several European projects, including COMMAND D and EPICURO ECHO 1 and 2. In addition, the City has adopted a Strategic Plan for Risk and Disaster Reduction for the period 2022-2026. Skopje remains open to all projects, partnerships, and opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange in the fields of rescue, protection, and firefighting.
The overarching objective of the City of Skopje and its Fire Department is to ensure a fire-safe and increasingly resilient urban environment for all citizens. In this context, the strengthening, facilitation, and advancement of international technical cooperation in the fields of fire safety, firefighting, rescue operations involving people and animals following accidents or natural disasters, technical assistance, and disaster relief are of critical importance. Equally essential is the promotion of initiatives aimed at mitigating risks and protecting the natural environment from hazardous influences.
The City recognizes that its capacity to respond effectively to emergencies and enhance overall resilience is significantly improved through participation in international networks. Such networks enable the establishment and maintenance of constructive and collaborative relationships among fire brigades and fire and rescue services worldwide. These relations, grounded in the principles of cooperation and equal rights, contribute to shared learning, interoperability, and the collective advancement of fire protection and emergency management practices.
Welcome to Skopje, the capital of the Republic of Macedonia, a city located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, at the crossroad of vital communications, a city with a 2000 years old tradition.
Take a walk along the beautiful quay of the Macedonian river “Vardar”, to stroll along the narrow streets of the Old Bazaar, which is the biggest bazaar preserved in the Balkans today, to climb up the Upper Town (the "Kale"), in order to feel the spirit of the 1500 years' old fortress and enjoy the panorama of Skopje, to visit St. Pantelejmon church and admire the fresco ”Lamentation of Christ”, bearing the first signs of the Renaissance.
Feel the treasures of Skopje and to visit the Islamic monuments Sultan Murat’s-Hjunkar Mosque and, the Daut Pasha Hamam.
Skopje is internationally famous for being the birthplace of Mother Teresa. I am confident that, she would be proud of the helpful and, hospitable attitude that Skopje citizens demonstrate towards visitors. Despite the turbulent history of the Balkans, Skopje has blossomed into a thriving, stimulating city to explore, defining itself as superb tourist destination.
After the exciting day spent in Skopje, you can enjoy the tasty Macedonian cuisine and delicious Macedonian wines.
During the time of your stay in Skopje, you will feel the hospitality of its citizens whenever and wherever you are.
