The European Movement in Macedonia will hold its traditional hike up Vodno. The occasion: the Day of the European Flag on 5 May, as part of the Europe Day celebrations. The march is a traditional initiative - it has been held for over 30 years, starting from the office of the EU Delegation in Skopje.

It is the kind of event that on paper looks simple - a few thousand people climbing Vodno with EU flags. But at a moment when Macedonia is in a state of „European uncertainty" - the Bulgarian veto, constitutional changes as a precondition, a multi-year freeze in negotiations - the event takes on a different tone.

Why it matters. First - this is one of the rare public manifestations where pro-European sentiment shows up physically. No speeches, no political parades, no party statements - people simply walk up the mountain under the flag. It is a form of quiet resistance to those who would like to convince the public that the EU is no longer the goal.

Second - the symbolism. Vodno has two sides. One is the „Millennium Cross" - a symbol of Macedonian national identity. The other side is „Middle Vodno" - where, since the 1990s, hikes have been organised for every big cause. The EU march starts from the second side. That is a message.

Third - the turnout. Turnout will be the barometer. If a thousand people show up, that is good news for the European perspective. If five thousand show up, it is a message. If ten thousand show up, it means that despite „years of fatigue", Macedonia still wants to be part of the EU. That is measured not only by domestic politicians, but by Brussels, which factors such events into its assessments of „integration capacity".

For those wondering whether it is worth a few hours up a mountain for an idea that looks distant - it is. Not to „sign in on the list" - but to remind yourself that the EU idea is not Brussels' policy. It is the citizens' choice. And every time 1 May, 5 May or 9 May is marked, the citizens reaffirm that choice. Without a visa, without a referendum, without a party. With shoes and a flag.