From North Macedonia to the Berry region: Skopje and Bourges strengthen their cooperation for 2028

On the occasion of the Matrice Seminar, held in Bourges on 24 and 25 September, Skopje and Bourges signed a partnership agreement to strengthen their ties and develop new forms of cooperation around European culture.

Both designated European Capitals of Culture for 2028, the two cities aim to make their shared year an opportunity to develop projects and exchanges that will extend well beyond 2028.

On behalf of the Skopje 2028 Foundation, its Director of Operations Zvonko Naumoski, representing Skopje 2028 Director Marjan Cvetkovski, signed the agreement with Jean-François Chougnet, Executive President of Bourges 2028.

A partnership built around creativity and exchange
The agreement opens the way for new collaborations between the two territories, including joint artistic projects, the mobility of artists and cultural professionals, as well as the sharing of experiences and expertise.

This cooperation reflects a shared ambition: to make culture a driver of solidarity, dialogue and exchange between European territories.

Beyond 2028, Skopje and Bourges intend to build a lasting relationship and strengthen the connections that will emerge throughout their respective European Capital of Culture years.

Building beyond 2028
Through this partnership, the two cities are affirming their commitment to ensuring that their cooperation does not stop with the title year. On the contrary, they see 2028 as a milestone in building long-term relationships, encouraging the circulation of artists, cultural professionals and ideas between North Macedonia and the Berry region.

A new chapter is therefore opening between Skopje and Bourges, two European Capitals of Culture united by a shared ambition: to make culture a space for dialogue and encounter, and to build the European collaborations of tomorrow.