Representatives of the European Union and North Macedonia convened on January 23 for the 20th Subcommittee meeting on Education and Culture, Research and Innovation Policy, Information Society and Media, and Social Policy and Employment. The meeting, held under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, addressed recent developments in these areas.
The EU delegation was co-chaired by Giulio Venneri, Deputy Head of Unit for Albania and North Macedonia at the Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, while North Macedonia was represented by Gordana Klincarova, State Secretary at the Ministry for Digital Transformation.
Education and Culture
The EU praised North Macedonia’s progress in digital education, vocational training, and reforms aimed at streamlining the school network for greater efficiency. However, it expressed concerns over the removal of gender-based discrimination as a criterion in the Law on Primary Education, calling for further efforts to ensure inclusivity. The EU stressed the importance of finalizing pending education reforms and delivering on commitments under the Reform Agenda to enhance human capital.
The EU also emphasized the significance of the Skopje European Capital of Culture 2028 project, urging North Macedonia to uphold its commitments made during the candidacy process.
Information Society and Media
The EU welcomed North Macedonia’s progress toward integration into the Digital Single Market, including the adoption of the Cybersecurity Strategy 2025–2028 and preparations to implement the national ICT strategy in April 2025. It encouraged the establishment of a digital transformation agency and active participation in the Digital Europe Programme.
The EU highlighted the need to align national laws with EU frameworks, including the Telecoms Code and the Audiovisual Media Services Directive. It also called for the adoption of the 5G cybersecurity toolbox rules and the development of a 5G deployment plan.
Social Policy and Employment
The EU commended North Macedonia’s efforts to reduce unemployment, including improvements in vocational training and the successful implementation of the Youth Guarantee scheme. However, it noted persistent structural challenges, including high unemployment rates among youth, women, Roma, and people with disabilities.
The EU urged swift adoption of pending legislation on labour relations, occupational safety, and the peaceful resolution of labour disputes. It also stressed the need to strengthen gender equality in employment and social policy.
Research and Innovation
The EU acknowledged North Macedonia’s increased investment in science and innovation, as well as its efforts to boost participation in the Horizon Europe programme. It welcomed the completion of the Smart Specialisation Strategy and called for its implementation to enhance the country’s research and innovation capacity.
The meeting underscored the EU’s continued support for North Macedonia’s reform agenda as part of its path toward EU integration.