ARNO, in collaboration with Europa Cafes, is mapping cafes with a mission!

Recently, ARNO was contacted by Europa Cafes – a European platform dedicated to venues that are much more than “just cafes”! 

We are looking for places in North Macedonia that can be defined as “Purpose Cafés.” This term describes venues that possess a clear social, cultural, or civic mission at the heart of their operations.

These are not merely spots for coffee and food; they are community hubs where culture and dialogue thrive. People visit them not just for the refreshments, but for the events, networking, and vibrant debates they host. Often, these are also social enterprises that reinvest their profits to sustain their social mission.

To put this into perspective:

• Vienna has Vollpension (a place for all generations, featuring homemade cakes and service by senior citizens),
• Budapest has Never Give Up café (a delightful spot that employs people of different abilities),
• Tirana has Destil Creative Hub (a cultural center hosting performances, reading clubs, and more)…

What does North Macedonia have to offer?

Do you know a place that fits this description?

Help us put our country on the map! Reach out to us via social media or email us at arno.mkd@gmail.com by July 17, 2026, so we can nominate the best Macedonian spots for the European map of Purpose Cafés. 

The goal is to increase the visibility of these venues, help them connect with one another, and gain recognition as essential social, cultural, and democratic infrastructures in Europe.