North Macedonia NATO accession celebrations cost 244,000 euros

Leaked documents reveal that the North Macedonian government spent approximately 15 million denars (around 244,000 euros) to organize celebrations marking the country's invitation to begin NATO accession negotiations in July 2018.

The festivities, which included a central event in Skopje and events in 14 other cities, were organized within a very tight timeframe. Government decisions were made on July 10, 2018, with the celebrations taking place on July 14. This four-day window followed the government session held just before the NATO summit on July 11-12.

A committee consisting of the national culture coordinator and two advisors from the Prime Minister's cabinet was tasked with selecting artists, hosts, and preparing scenarios. Procurement for logistics, lighting, sound, and technical equipment was fast-tracked, with some contracts signed only one day before the events. Financial records confirm payments to agencies such as Artpick, Duna, and Password Production.