Ravnopravnost spolova

Progress has been made in promoting gender equality in North Macedonia, the NSG notes. The country has strengthened its adherence to the Istanbul Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, and it has developed a policy framework that integrates gender perspectives and aligns with the convention. In July 2022, a national gender equality strategy and action plan for 2023–2024 was approved. The Criminal Code was amended in February 2023 to address gender-based violence, including hate crimes and stalking.[1] The Ministry of Defence is currently implementing an operational plan for the Second National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (2020–2025).[2] [3]

Remaining challenges include implementation of the Istanbul Convention, the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, which entered into force in 2018 in North Macedonia, the NSG reports. The difficulty is largely the lack of continuous, sustained, and coordinated efforts among relevant agencies, institutions, and organisations. This has resulted in insufficient overall progress, and it has undermined the efforts of the few actors – such as the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy – that have attempted to fulfil their obligations under the National Action Plan (NAP). Although the Law on the Prevention of and Protection from Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence was adopted in 2021, the necessary implementing legislation has not yet been approved. Adoption of the Gender Equality Law[4] is still pending, largely due to a growing anti-gender movement, which occasionally receives support from political, religious, and local government figures. The NSG emphasises that this movement raises serious concerns and hampers progress in gender equality in North Macedonia.

Obrazovanje, osposobljavanje i cjeloživotno učenje

The Ministry of Education and Science actively promotes the continuous development of the education system, with a particular emphasis on science and ethical education.[5] The 2018–2025 Education Strategy is the primary guiding document in North Macedonia. However, its oversight procedures are vague, and its indicators and targets need improvement to properly adapt to a changing educational sector and society. Authorities should also enhance coordination between institutions when generating legislation and create an environment that supports an effective execution of the strategy. North Macedonia is working on decentralising its educational system in a way that aims to make municipalities responsible for the administration of elementary and secondary schools. However, the state will continue to support these municipally governed schools financially through block grants. Municipalities in the first phase of decentralisation – the only phase implemented so far – receive block grants specifically for infrastructure maintenance. Municipal authorities are responsible for allocating these funds among the schools they oversee.

The Ministry of Education and Science directly oversees schools for students with special needs. Based on the Education Strategy the Republic of Macedonia for 2018-2025[6], a series of measures have been implemented to increase the inclusiveness of the education system. These measures aim to improve infrastructure, including buildings, equipment, teaching and assistive technologies, and to adapt the curriculum, programmes, and textbooks to better cater to students with special educational needs. There has also been a significant emphasis on ensuring that teachers and professional staff working with these students are adequately trained to provide a supportive learning environment. In 2019, a change in the Law on Primary Education transformed special schools and special classes for students with disabilities into elementary schools with resource centres and learning support centres. Article 19 of the Law requires primary schools to provide a range of support for students with disabilities. These include educational and personal assistants, professional support from learning support centres, inclusive teams, and assistive technology, all tailored to the students' individual educational plans or modified programmes.

In Macedonian schools, lessons are delivered in four languages. In addition to Macedonian, the official language of the nation, students can choose to study in Albanian, Turkish, or Serbian. In addition, some institutions offer elective courses where pupils can learn about the language and culture of the Roma or Aromanian people. The Bureau for Development of Education and the Center for Vocational Education and Training design the curricula for broad subjects in vocational education as well as for subjects in primary and general secondary schools.[7] The State Educational Inspectorate ensures the quality and efficiency of education by supervising the fulfilment of educational standards and evaluating the work of educational institutions in accordance with laws, regulations, and general guidelines in the field of education and upbringing. In recent years, the number of full-time and part-time students attending Macedonian universities has been rising substantially, the NSG notes. However, although preschool education has made considerable progress in its reach and quality, overall enrolment levels remain below EU and regional norms, particularly for Roma children.[8] [9] In 2022, only 42% of children aged three to six were enrolled in licensed early childhood education facilities, compared to the EU's target of 96% attendance for early childhood education and care.

The Republic of North Macedonia places a high priority on adult education, governed by the Law on Adult Education and the Law for Vocational Education. The Center for Adult Education, a government-established organisation, advocates for the adult education system.[10] Its goals are to help North Macedonia meet its socioeconomic needs, address labour market demands, and support the personal growth of its citizens. North Macedonia participates in the Erasmus+ programme. With assistance from the European Training Foundation (ETF), the Ministry of Education and Science has completed the process of aligning the National Qualifications Framework with the European Qualifications Framework. The adoption of the new VET law, essential for vocational education and training (VET) reform, is still pending. This law is also necessary to support the responsibilities of the nation's five regional VET (RVET) centres. An agreement between the Chambers of Commerce, the Ministry of Education, business organisations, and vocational high schools facilitates paid student internships in private businesses. Under this programme, approximately 100 dual-education classrooms have begun operations, funded through public and private partnerships.[11] The adoption of the Adult Education Law is still pending. The Bureau for Development of Education has updated the primary grade 6 curriculum (for pupils between 11 and 12 years old, before their transition to a graded school system) based on national standards, incorporating a section on green skills.

Dobra praksa

The "Concept for secondary adult education" was adopted by the Ministry of Education and Science in November 2022 with the goal of enhancing citizens’ quality of life and promoting social development. The curricula are designed around key competences that are translated into national standards, and expected learning outcomes are derived from these competences. In some cases, several subjects cover the same key competences to provide a well-rounded education for adult learners.

Nezaposlenost mladih

The NSG notes that the Youth Guarantee Scheme, adopted in 2018, continued to be implemented across the Republic of North Macedonia over the reporting period, with a particular focus on NEETs (young people not in education, employment, or training). This initiative aligns with the Operational Plan for Active Programs and Measures for Employment and Services in the Labour Market for 2023. Approximately 10,000 young people are expected to benefit from the Youth Guarantee by the end of 2024. To access the scheme, individuals register at one of the Employment Agency’s local employment centres. Young NEETs will also have the option to pre-register online via a dedicated website.

The Youth Guarantee provides a range of services designed to support young people in accessing the labour market. These include career guidance and professional orientation, motivational training, group and individual therapy, and job search training. Furthermore, it is expected that several job-related initiatives will be introduced to the scheme, such as financial assistance in the shape of company subsidies for youth employment and financial incentives for employing youth with disabilities.[12] [13]

[1] UNPD North Macedonia (2021), Analysis of Cases of Femicides – Murders of Women in the Republic of North Macedonia: https://www.undp.org/north-macedonia/publications/analysis-cases-femicides-murders-women-republic-north-macedonia

[2] Skopje: Center for research and policy making (2009), Achieving gender equality in Macedonia: https://crpm.org.mk/product/achieving-gender-equality-in-macedonia

[3] Gender Equality Index for North Macedonia (2022), Measuring Gender Equality:  https://www.stat.gov.mk/publikacii/2023/Gender-Index-2022_EN-web.pdf

[4] European Commission for Democracy Through Law (Venice Commission) (2021), North Macedonia draft law on gender equality: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2021)044-e

[5] North Macedonia Ministry of Education and Science (2024):  https://mon.gov.mk/en/

[6] Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Macedonia (2018), Education strategy for 2018 – 2025 and Action Plan: http://mrk.mk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Strategija-za-obrazovanie-ENG-WEB-1.pdf

[7] Bureau of Education and Development (2024), Curricula programs, https://www.bro.gov.mk/

[8] State Examination Center (2024): https://dic.edu.mk/

[9] State Matura (2024), School Matura: http://www.matura.gov.mk/Default.aspx?language=EN

[10] Center for Adult Education (2024), Programmes: https://cov.gov.mk/programmes/en

[11] Center for Vocational Training (2024): https://csoo.edu.mk/

[12] Government of North Macedonia (2018), Session N053: https://vlada.mk/sednica/53

[13] Agency for employment (2024), Youth Guarantee: https://av.gov.mk/youth-guarantee.nspx

Socijalni dijalog

The NSG notes that social partners have engaged in productive tripartite discussions with governmental authorities at both the local and national levels. However, the implementation of social dialogue is still far from effective. For example, although a new collective agreement for public sector workers was agreed on by the North Macedonian government and unions in July 2023, its implementation and enforcement were inadequate, resulting in a failure to uphold fairer working conditions. Moreover, there is insufficient action to support collective bargaining or to strengthen the roles of social partners in the business sector. As the social partners  have limited capacity by themselves, this lack of action jeopardises social dialogue. In 2022, only five labour disputes were successfully resolved through amicable means, indicating that the law on the peaceful settlement of such disputes is still poorly implemented.[1] [2] The NSG therefore highlights the need for greater encouragement of collective bargaining in both the public and private sectors, as well as increased support from the authorities.

[1] International Labour Organisation (2024) Strengthening social dialogue in North Macedonia: https://www.ilo.org/projects-and-partnerships/projects/strengthening-social-dialogue-north-macedonia

[2]Business Confederation of North Macedonia (2024) Social dialogue: https://bcm.mk/eng/%D1%81%D0%BE%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BD-%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B3/

Pristup kvalitetnoj zdravstvenoj skrbi

The NSG highlights that primary healthcare is free in North Macedonia. However, there is room for improvement in terms of public financing, geographic distribution, service scope, and accessibility. During the reporting period, a mobile application called "My Health" was introduced. This app allows patients to access their medical history, including past medical exams, specialist recommendations, prescription drugs, immunisations, and relevant certifications.[1]

The NSG notes that there are still gaps in specialist care in North Macedonia. Medical personnel, including nurses and specialists, continue to leave the public health sector for private practice or opportunities abroad due to low salaries, resulting in a lower number of doctors and nurses per 100,000 people than the EU average. In addition, 38% of medical expenses are paid out of pocket, a high level which impedes equal access to healthcare for all individuals.[2]

[1] United Nations North Macedonia (2022), WHO assesses barriers to primary health care in North Macedonia: https://northmacedonia.un.org/en/200004-who-assesses-barriers-primary-health-care-north-macedonia 

[2] Koller, T.S., Janeva, J.K., Ognenovska, E. et al. (2024), Towards leaving no one behind in NorthMacedonia: a mixed methods assessment of barriers to effective coverage with health services: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-023-02082-3

The CIVICUS Monitor classifies North Macedonia’s civic space as "Narrowed," a status it has held since 2018.[1] The “Narrowed” classification indicates that while individuals and civil society organizations can exercise their rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and expression, these rights are often violated through harassment, arrests, or assaults against critics of those in power, as well as through excessive force during protests and political pressure on the media.

Involvement of CSOs in civil dialogue and in EU accession negotiations

The primary channel for engaging civil society in policy and decision-making in North Macedonia is the Council for Cooperation between the Government and Civil Society.[2] However, in the budget supplement for 2022, funding for the annual programme of collaboration with civil society was not reinstated. This decision contradicts the government’s strategic objectives outlined in the 2022–2024 partnership strategy with civil society. Since March 2022, civil society organisations (CSOs) have withdrawn from Council activities due to a government decision to transfer CSO funding from the General Secretariat to the Ministry of Political System and Relations among the Communities. This has led to a reduced public budget for CSOs. The NSG highlights the crucial need to rebuild cooperation and restore trust to enable CSOs in civic space.[3] [4]

The 2007 Resolution on North Macedonia's EU Accession Priorities recognised the crucial role of civil society in the EU integration process. This resolution encouraged the government to utilise all available social resources and to commit to including civil society organisations in accession talks.[5] The country is currently working to establish a negotiation framework that includes the active involvement of CSOs in preparing the National Programme for Adoption of the Acquis Communautaire (NPAA) and in developing negotiating positions for EU membership. This framework is outlined in seven government directives published in August 2019, which ensure that CSOs and other stakeholders are engaged in the process.[6] However, the NSG notes that the process for selecting CSO representatives for working groups is unclear and susceptible to misuse. A draft model for the Council for Cooperation and Development defines civil society and recommends that CSO representatives be nominated by the CSOs themselves. But the process remains ambiguous. According to a government decision, the chief political negotiator is responsible for selecting members of working groups after consulting with the head of the leading institution. This decision allows for CSO inclusion but does not mandate it. To increase the participation of CSOs, it is essential to clarify the process by which they are selected and enhance clear and timely communication with them, especially if the negotiating framework is reviewed.[7] [8]

North Macedonia’s negotiation structure includes several key bodies: the Coordination Body for the EU Accession Process, the Rule of Law Council, the North Macedonia State Delegation for EU Accession Negotiations, the Negotiating Group, the Secretariat of the Negotiating Group, the Office of the Chief Technical Negotiator, and the Working Groups for Negotiation Preparations.[9] As well as in these, CSOs are actively involved in various government and parliamentary bodies with direct or indirect roles in the European integration process. These include the National European Integration Council, the Council for Cooperation with and Development of Civil Society, the Council for Monitoring the Implementation of the Strategy on Judicial Reforms, the Council for Civilian Oversight of the Security Services, and various working groups within ministries and sectoral groups of the EU’s Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA). It is important to note that CSOs can also participate in the activities of all legislative bodies during public sessions.[10] The NSG notes that the EU has consistently supported C(SOs in North Macedonia over the past 20 years, leading to significant capacity development, knowledge of reforms, and the establishment of valuable networks. However, the EU's financial support needs to be expanded and better aligned to match its political backing, especially given the complex and challenging negotiation process to join the EU that North Macedonia faces. This need is also relevant for other Western Balkan countries at a similar stage in the EU accession process.

[1] CIVICUS (2023), North Macedonia: https://monitor.civicus.org/country/macedonia/

[2] Global Standard for CSO Accountability (2022), Civil Society Accountability in Restricted Civic Space: A perspective from the Western Balkans:  https://www.csostandard.org/cso-standard/civil-society-accountability-in-restricted-civic-space-a-perspective-from-the-western-balkans/

[3]  Policy Report (2023), North Macedonia: Measuring civic space risk, resilience, and Russian influence: https://www.aiddata.org/publications/north-macedonia-measuring-civic-space-risk-resilience-and-russian-influence

[4] Global Standard for CSO Accountability (2022), Civil Society Accountability in Restricted Civic Space: A perspective from the Western Balkans: https://www.csostandard.org/cso-standard/civil-society-accountability-in-restricted-civic-space-a-perspective-from-the-western-balkans/

[5] Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia (2007), Resolution on the priorities of accession of the Republic of Macedonia to the European Union and opening negotiations for membership in the European Union https://www.sobranie.mk/home.nspx

[6] Nikolovski, Ivan (2020), Civil Society Organizations and North Macedonia’s EU Integration: Towards Strategic Participation and Transparent Accession Negotiations: https://idscs.org.mk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/web_A5_CSOsMKD.pdf

[7] Nikolovski, Ivan (2018), Macedonian Model for Involvement of Civil Society Organizations in Accession Negotiations:  https://idscs.org.mk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/web_A5_CSOsMKD.pdf

[8]Official Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia No. 159, http://www.slvesnik.com.mk

[9] Council for Cooperation with and Development of Civil Society (2019) Draft model on inclusion of civil society organisations in EU accession negotiations: https://idscs.org.mk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/CSO-and-accession-negotiations.pdf    

[10] Parliament of the Republic of North Macedonia (2017), Parliament of RNM and European Parliament: https://www.sobranie.mk/sobranieto-i-eu.nspx

Decent green jobs

The NSG notes that North Macedonia's current green policies largely overlook the topic of green jobs and skills. This is partly due to the lack of capacity of the main actor responsible, which is the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning. However, there have been recent positive developments, such as the country’s new Primary Education Concept, which includes green and digital activities and embeds them in learning programmes. The focus is on preparing students for a blended approach to learning, utilising digital platforms and technologies. This will benefit general education and also support the inclusion of children with disabilities. The approach will extend to secondary education, and the forthcoming Law on Secondary Education and the Secondary Education Concept also incorporates these green and digital competences into curricula.[1] [2] [3] The NSG notes that the poor performance of North Macedonia's labour market is partly due to the workforce's lack of green and digital skills. Improving and expanding these skills through targeted and incentive-driven policies by key stakeholders will significantly prepare workers for changes in the labour market and will likely help reduce unemployment further. [4]

Until recently, construction businesses in North Macedonia lacked sufficient motivation to improve their energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources.[5] This lack of interest in greening the construction sector must be tackled, as there is significant potential for workers in this sector to acquire green skills. Global reports, such as the 2022 UNICEF report on green skills and their potential in secondary education, reveal that green skills are often scarce and underdeveloped in vocational education and training (VET) in North Macedonia.[6] This issue largely arises from a mismatch between state development objectives and VET programmes, as well as a lack of connection between VET curricula and labour market demands.[7] The changes to vocational-technical education in 2019, supported by the World Bank, represented a significant breakthrough in addressing these challenges. Specifically, these changes included the introduction of a cross-curricular approach and of comprehensive programmes focused on both workplace and environmental protection as compulsory subjects in every VET curriculum.

Several challenges impede the development of green skills, both directly and indirectly. Insufficient investment and interest from state institutions leads to the underdevelopment of such skills. In the labour market, a lack of awareness of global trends and low competition often hinder progress. Recessions and crises further exacerbate these issues by forcing businesses to cut costs and reassess their expenditure, leading to reduced investment in staff development, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises. In addition, labour force migration to the EU and other neighbouring countries represents a form of qualification "export", which further limits the accumulation of domestic green skills. The informal economy also poses a barrier, as workers in this sector typically do not meet the requirements for formal state-sponsored training programmes, thus hindering the growth of green skills.[8]

Pristup energiji i energetsko siromaštvo

In December 2022, the government of North Macedonia approved a national energy action plan aimed at addressing the socioeconomic impacts of the country’s energy issues. The plan includes an evaluation of the institutional, strategic, and legal frameworks governing the energy sector, and it formed the basis for a discussion regarding the EU’s Energy Support Package , valued at €80 million.[9] [10] The recent energy crisis highlighted the urgent need for a coherent and coordinated energy policy. To effectively manage energy policy, strategic planning, and investments in the energy sector, the government needs to enhance its administrative capabilities.

Eurostat reported in 2019 that people in North Macedonia are unable to heat their living spaces, which is one of the main energy poverty issues in the country. According to the 2014 version of the same report, more than 40,000 households had problems paying their electricity bills, and the main gas distributor noted a 30% decrease in the number of customers between 2007 and 2014 due to rising prices, by resorting to less sustainable sources of energy. In fact, the alternative for these customers and for the large part of the population who do not have access to gas is to switch to other forms of heating. But some of these, such as solid fuel stoves, are polluting and not effective at warming living spaces. Eurostat estimated that 35% of North Macedonian households struggle to keep up with their energy bill payments.[11]

[1] Markovska Natasa (2012): National background report on Energy for the FYR of Macedonia: https://wbc-rti.info/object/document/9828/attach/0_National_background_report_Energy_MK_FINAL.pdf

[2] Skopje Jovanovski Antonio (2019), Green economy and green jobs in the Republic North Macedonia: https://www.nrs.mk/content/downloads/documents/thematic/Green%20Economy%20and%20Green%20Jobs.pdf

[3] Macedonian Center for Energy Efficiency (2009), Study on energy efficiency of facilities in the area of the City of Skopje: https://www.economy.gov.mk/Upload/Documents/Strategy%20for%20IEE%20[OG%20143-2010](1).pdf

[4] Build Up Skills Macedonia (2012), Извештај за капацитетите на градежниот сектор во областа на енергетската ефикасност и обновливите извори на енергија, Стопанска комора на Македонија, Агенција за енергетика на РМ, Креација, Скопје. https://www.mchamber.mk/mk/home/uslugisubcategory/8?cookieS=2

21 Nedanovski Pece (2013), Green Jobs: Case Study of the Republic of Macedonia: https://ecologic.mk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Zeleni-Vestini-ANG-VERZIJA_FINAL.pdf

[6] UNICEF (2022), Research on green skills and their potential in secondary education in Republic of North Macedonia: https://www.unicef.org/northmacedonia/reports/analysis-green-skills-situation-republic-north-macedonia

[7] Analysis of the green skills situation in the Republic of North Macedonia  (2022), Research on green skills and their potential in secondary education in Republic of North Macedonia: https://www.unicef.org/northmacedonia/reports/analysis-green-skills-situation-republic-north-macedonia

[8] Nedanovski Pece (2013), Green Jobs: Case Study of the Republic of Macedonia: https://ecologic.mk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Zeleni-Vestini-ANG-VERZIJA_FINAL.pdf

[9] Centre for Climate Change (2022): https://ckp.org.mk/en/

[10] Energy Community (2024): http://www.energy-community.org/

[11] Eurostat (2024), Enlargement countries - statistical overview:  https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Enlargement_countries_-_statistical_overview