Impressions from the 51st European Young Engineers Conference in Skopje, North Macedonia
Greetings Young Engineers! From October 5th to 8th, Andrea and I had the privilege of attending the 51st European Young Engineers Conference in the charming city of Skopje, North Macedonia. For those unfamiliar with it, the European Young Engineers (EYE) are the European counterpart to the VDI Young Engineers, comprising member associations from over 30 countries. EYE hosts conferences twice a year. The latest one unfolded in Skopje. Four action-packed days were filled with company visits, panel discussions, workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities with inspiring Young Engineers from across Europe. Join us as we recap the conference and provide a glimpse of what to expect from the next EYE conference in Limerick in 2024!
Day 1: Inspiring Beginnings
The conference commenced with a memorable opening ceremony at the President's Villa Vodno. President Stevo Pendarovski not only opened his presidential residence to us but also welcomed us to explore the rich culture and warmth of North Macedonia. In his speech, he underscored the critical role of engineering in our times and the ethical responsibilities it carries. Collaboration, he emphasized, is vital for addressing current global challenges, making conferences like EYE, themed "Connecting Engineers Pathways," pivotal. We were also privileged to hear insightful speeches from Hristina Spasevska, President of the Engineering Institution of Macedonia (EIM), Paul Jenkinson, President of European Young Engineers (EYE), and Tina Manoleva, President of the Young Engineers Club (KMI). It was truly inspiring to witness the profound significance of engineering in North Macedonia and its pivotal role in shaping their future. The enthusiasm for STEM subjects here is a valuable lesson for us in Germany. Additionally, it was notable that there are more female engineering students than male ones in North Macedonia, a remarkable contrast to the current situation in Germany and other parts of Europe.
Day 2: Immersive Industry Exploration
The second day treated us to immersive industry visits, with options including Gerresheimer and Kemet Electronic or Swisslion and ElektroSharri. These visits provided us with valuable insights into diverse industries, ranging from MedTech and electronic components to food technology and even livestock farms with biogas power plants. It was gratifying to observe German technology making a significant impact in many of these establishments. Our gracious hosts made this experience truly exceptional, displaying unwavering enthusiasm and offering detailed explanations. Despite their undoubtedly busy schedules, they walked us through their daily work tirelessly. In the evening, we roamed the picturesque and historic streets of Skopje, a city competing for the European City of Culture 2028 title. Skopje's charm and the vibrant atmosphere of its narrow, colorful streets encouraged us to connect and interact with fellow participants. Meeting engineers from Spain, the UK, Belgium, and countless other countries was a delightful experience. The evening concluded with a shared meal, lively singing, and dancing at a nearby bar. For many, including Andrea and me, it became obvious that a return visit to Skopje is a must.
Day 3: Enriching Insights and a Spectacular Gala Dinner
Day three at the technical campus featured a packed schedule with Macedonian academics and industry experts sharing their insights on a wide range of topics. These topics spanned the energy, automotive, information technology, medical, and electronics industries, as well as public relations, leadership, and the history of European Young Engineers (EYEs). Personally, one highlight was Kosta Petrov sharing his wisdom as a founder and PR strategist, along with Ilija Ivanovski and Hasan Bukla elaborating on innovation and pivoting in the IT industry. Following these enlightening presentations, we were invited to explore the University FabLabs.
Simultaneously, the EYE Council meeting yielded several significant outcomes: Ireland was selected as the host for #EYELimerick24 next spring, the Slovak Society of Chemical Engineers (SSCHI) officially became part of the EYE community, and EYE confirmed its participation in COP28 later in the year, securing permanent observer status for future COP events, among other notable achievements. EYE delegates will provide regular updates on COP28, so consider joining the EYE community to stay informed about developments and get a glimpse into this important event.
One of the undeniable highlights of the conference was the spectacular gala dinner held at the "Old House" restaurant. It offered a delightful immersion into Macedonian culture, from the delectable cuisine to captivating traditional dances and live music. The atmosphere was electric, creating lasting memories for all attendees.
Day 4: A Fond Farewell and Natural Beauty
As all good things must come to an end, on the fourth day, it was time for us to pack our bags and either head home or continue exploring Macedonia, either alone or with newfound friends. Before departing, we made sure to visit the breathtaking Matka Canyon, home to Macedonia's first hydropower plant. Even after an eventful weekend packed with exciting activities, we found ourselves awestruck by the beauty of nature. The clear blue skies, turquoise waters, and rugged hills surrounding us left us speechless. The view was simply astonishing!
We hope you've enjoyed this brief summary, and perhaps we'll have the pleasure of seeing you at EYE Limerick! We're eagerly looking forward to it!
