SOCIETY 367 / 2015

»The current coalition
leadership governs
our country with the
opposition through
energetic debate, just
as adversarial
parliamentary politics
should function.
«
ternational peace and security. Our government
supports the unitary character of Ukraine, its
independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity
and inviolability of its borders. Macedonia is a
signatory in statements issued from the OSCE
and Council of Europe and supports all decisions
of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of
Europe and the European Parliament with regard
to Ukraine.
However, recognizing that peace and prosperity
are the motivations of all parties is the key
to any solution. Thus, any restrictive measures
must be specific and reasonable responses whose
justification can be clearly understood by all parties.
My heart goes out to both EU and non-EU
citizens impacted by restrictions that have been
imposed. I recognize that oftentimes the broader
strokes of global events have very real, local
consequences. My hope is that peaceful resolutions
are soon found to the issues that currently
plague EU-Russian relations, and that political
and economic relations stabilize.
CURRICULUM
VITAE
H.E. Vasilka Poposka-
Trenevska was born in
1964 in Prilep/Macedonia.
She holds a PhD from the
Faculty of Economics of the
University of St. Clement/
Macedonia and began her
career in 1990 as an Assistant
Professor at her alma
mater. In 2000, she moved
to Skopje to work at the Faculty
of Veterinary Medicine
where she is currently an
Associate Professor. She is
an author and co-author of
a number of academic and
specialized works and has
published three books. She
accompanied her husband
H.E. Ambassador Martin
Trenevski on a number of
foreign diplomatic missions,
including Sweden, Canada
and NATO in Brussels. During
that time she implemented
community and charity
works, building relations
with the host countries,
other countries and various
international organizations
and businesses. In 2014 she
was appointed Ambassador
to Austria. H.E. Vasilka
Poposka-Trenevska has two
daughters.
DIPLOMATIE
MAZEDONIEN
What are the relations between Austria and
Macedonia like? Could you name current economical
co-operations between Macedonia and
Austria?
The partnership between our countries is highly
valued. The opportunities that exist for both
sides to provide impactful investment, bringing
prosperity and growth with it, are varied and significant.
Austria is the second largest investor in
Macedonia, with investments totaling over 485
million Euros, and an important trade partner.
In 2014, our nations successfully managed over
two hundred million Euros worth of trade.
Our relationship goes beyond a balance of
trade to include partnerships and investment opportunities.
Macedonia has created an attractive
and friendly business climate, especially with its
tax policy and the Free Economic Zones, where
investors in the first ten years are exempted from
paying profit and personal tax. My goal as an Ambassador
will be to get in touch with the Austrian
businesses and encourage them to expand and
strengthen their business in Macedonia.
Many Austrian firms have recognized the benefits
of doing business in Macedonia and are actively
involved in a wide range of sectors, including
energy, banking, insurance, transportation
and other. The exports to the Austrian market
consist primarily of textiles, minerals and rolled
iron and steel products.
What is the status quo in the naming dispute
with Greece?
I remain committed to a resolution to this issue
that respects Macedonia’s integrity and which
is backed by the concerted efforts of our UN mediation
partners. The process surrounding the
affirmation of our constitutional name has been
long and drawn out. Macedonia is waiting for a
fair solution to the issue. We stand ready for our
relations with Greece to no longer be troubled by
problems with the acceptance of a Macedonian
identity, so that my homeland may stand up, unhindered
to speak as equals with our friends and
neighbors.
In Macedonia the political situation is
characterized by sharp disputes between government
and opposition. What is the reason for
that?
My homeland is a vibrant, healthy democratic
state. We are host to a wide ideological spectrum,
stemming from a rich cultural history. Thus, it
troubles me to see my country characterized in
the wider world as being sharply divided. As I see
it, Macedonia displays its tenacity for the world
to see in the day-to-day operation of our government.
As of the 2014 general election, the parliament
of the Republic of Macedonia seats representatives
from six parties. The current coalition
leadership governs our country with the opposition
through energetic debate, just as adversarial
parliamentary politics should function. •
SOCIETY 1_2015 | 79