Ditë: 25 Gusht 2026

The 18th FAI European Paragliding Championship is taking place in Krushevo, with 130 pilots and around 200 participants from 38 countries.

Krushevo is once again living and breathing paragliding. From 8 to 19 August, the city is hosting the 18th FAI European Paragliding Championship, one of the most significant international events in the Paragliding Cross Country discipline.

The championship brings together 130 pilots from 38 countries. Together with their teams and support staff, around 200 participants directly involved in the competition are currently in Krushevo.

The main take-off takes place from Mechkin Kamen, while landings and the completion of competition tasks take place at designated landing sites across the wider area, depending on the specific task and flying conditions.

According to the organisers, the European Championship confirms Krushevo’s quality as an international paragliding destination, while also creating an opportunity for further development of infrastructure and the local tourism offer.

“The organisation of the European Championship in Krushevo confirms the quality we offer, while also providing an incentive for further development. By constructing new take-off sites, we are creating the conditions to host major international events in the future. Krushevo is not only a flying location. The entire local community, hospitality sector and atmosphere all contribute to welcoming our guests,” said Goran Dimishkovski, representative of the Organising Committee and President of the Paragliding World Cup.

Beyond its sporting significance, the championship provides an opportunity for further international promotion of Krushevo. Participants and their teams have the opportunity to experience the city’s nature, cultural heritage and tourism offer.

The development of paragliding infrastructure is also continuing through the IPA CBC project “Krushevo and Elbasan, Journey in Nature and Adventure”. As part of the project, two new take-off sites are being constructed at Crn Vrv, with the aim of improving conditions for paragliding and creating additional opportunities for the development of active and adventure tourism.

The 18th FAI European Paragliding Championship is organised by Paragliding Club Extrema and Delta Paraglider Club, on behalf of the Air Sports Federation of Macedonia. The event is supported by relevant national institutions, the Municipality of Krushevo and the Tourism Organisation of Krushevo.

Following the European Championship, Krushevo will host another major international sporting event. From 24 August, the city will host the “Krushevo 2026” Junior World Paragliding Championship.

With two major international events taking place in August, Krushevo is strengthening its position as a significant European destination for paragliding and active tourism.

The Municipality of Krushevo, the Municipality of Elbasan, the Center for Sustainable Development ALKA and the organisation Tjeter Vision have officially signed the Partnership Agreement for the implementation of the “Krushevo and Elbasan, Journey in Nature and Adventure” project.

The project is funded by the European Union through the IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme North Macedonia and Albania. Its goal is to promote the development of sustainable and adventure tourism, improve tourism infrastructure and strengthen cross-border cooperation between the two regions.

The project will deliver significant infrastructure investments, including:

* Construction of a safe and accessible paragliding take-off site in Krushevo.

* Improvement of the Gumenje Sports and Recreation Centre, including new walking trails, LED lighting, renovation of sports fields and a dedicated space for events and festivals.

* Construction of an adventure park in Funar, Elbasan, including a parking area and marked trails leading to the Dopaj canyons.

The project also includes activities to strengthen local capacities through training for tourism operators and local entrepreneurs on sustainable tourism, the circular economy and practices aimed at minimising waste generation.

At the same time, a cross-border network of tourism stakeholders will be established to support cooperation, exchange experiences and develop new tourism products.

Through regional and international promotional activities, the project will contribute to increasing the visibility of Krushevo and Elbasan as attractive destinations for adventure and active tourism.

The signing of the Partnership Agreement marks the start of a joint initiative that will contribute to sustainable economic development, an improved tourism offer and stronger links between local communities in North Macedonia and Albania.

As part of the “Krushevo and Elbasan, Journey in Nature and Adventure” project (KET-J), a new paragliding take-off site is being developed at the Crn Vrv location in the Municipality of Krushevo.

The new investment aims to improve conditions for safe and high-quality paragliding and strengthen Krushevo’s potential as one of Europe’s leading destinations for the sport.

The new take-off site will provide:

* Improved safety conditions for pilots.

* Better conditions for hosting international competitions and sporting events.

* An improved experience for paragliders and visitors.

* Support for sustainable tourism development and the local economy.

With its natural characteristics, favourable flying conditions and long-standing paragliding tradition, Krushevo is already recognised as an attractive destination for adventure tourism enthusiasts. The new take-off site at Crn Vrv will further contribute to expanding the tourism offer and increasing the international visibility of the region.

The “Krushevo and Elbasan, Journey in Nature and Adventure” project (KET-J) is implemented with financial support from the European Union through the IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme North Macedonia and Albania. The project is implemented by the Municipality of Krushevo, Municipality of Elbasan, Center for Sustainable Development ALKA and Tjeter Vizion Organisation.