News
First Steering Committee Meeting launches the second phase of the “Quality Education for All” project in North Macedonia
The first Steering Committee meeting of the project “Quality Education for All – Building Democratic Resilience – North Macedonia” was held on 9 June 2026 in Skopje, marking the official launch of the project’s second phase. Implemented by the Council of Europe and funded by the Federal Republic...
Community Leaders in Radovish empowered to combat discrimination
Radovish became a hub of exchanging and learning as more than 30 representatives from schools, local self-governance unit and civil society organisations gathered to strengthen their knowledge and skills in prevention and protection against discrimination. The interactive workshop “Closer to the...
Anti-trafficking stakeholders in North Macedonia co-ordinate joint efforts to prevent and fight human trafficking
The European Union and the Council of Europe joint action “Strengthening anti-trafficking action in North Macedonia” reviewed its progress in the efforts to combat trafficking in North Macedonia, at its 7th Steering Committee meeting. The meeting was attended by key beneficiaries and partners...
Council of Europe Programme Office in Skopje supports Digital Inclusion through donation to “Braka Ramiz and Hamid” Primary School in Suto Orizari
During April and May 2026, the Council of Europe Programme Office in Skopje donated 15 computers and various office furniture, including desks and wardrobes, to the primary school “Braka Ramiz and Hamid” in Suto Orizari, reaffirming its commitment to promoting equal access to digital...
Judges in North Macedonia strengthen skills on Freedom of Expression
The Basic Court in Gostivar hosted a capacity building activity on the “Protection of Honour and Reputation in the Context of the Right to Freedom of Expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The activity brought together judges from the Basic Courts of...
Access to Information and Freedom of Expression: New Training Programme Empowers Legal Professionals, Civil Servants, and Journalists
The Council of Europe Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression is launching a new Training Programme on Access to Information in the Context of Freedom of Expression. This comprehensive programme is designed for three professional audiences: legal professionals (including judges,...
Pinocchio helps children in North Macedonia learn how to recognise and prevent trafficking risks
What can Pinocchio teach children about safety, trust and manipulation? In a primary school, in the village of Bardovci, the famous story became a powerful tool for helping children recognise the risks of trafficking and abuse through interactive learning and role play. Third-grade children and...
Fostering resocialisation and rehabilitation of prisoners in North Macedonia: EU and Council of Europe assist prison authorities
Resocialisation officers are professionals engaged in the criminal justice systems, prisons, or rehabilitation centres to help offenders reintegrate into society. Their primary role is to assist individuals in adapting to social norms, building new skills, and overcoming habits or behaviours that...
Fighting human trafficking facilitated by online technology in North Macedonia
New technologies, including artificial intelligence, are fuelling a global surge in victims of human trafficking. Children are often targeted by on-line predators, who use these technologies to earn money and obtain benefits by on-line sexual exploitation of children. North Macedonia is no...
Strengthening judicial response to SLAPPs in North Macedonia
To strengthen the capacities of judicial actors to effectively address emerging challenges related to freedom of expression, particularly in the context of increasing pressure on journalists and media professionals, a training on freedom of expression and Strategic Lawsuits Against Public...
Law students from Legal Clinics in Tetovo strengthen skills to provide Free Legal Aid
Primary legal aid provided by authorised legal clinics is crucial for guaranteeing that everyone has access to justice, in line with European standards. In a continued effort to strengthen their capacities to provide free legal aid, especially for the most vulnerable communities, 33 law students...
"From trauma to testimony“ - Regional dialogue on psychological support to victims of human trafficking
From Trauma to Testimony: The Role of Psychological Support in Human Trafficking Cases” was the main topic of the regional dialogue organised with the support of EU and Council of Europe. The online event brought together more than 60 experts and practitioners in the field of human trafficking...
Advancing Multiculturalism, Antidiscrimination and Equal Opportunities in Schools in North Macedonia
The Council of Europe emphasises the vital importance of advancing multiculturalism, antidiscrimination and promoting equal opportunities within schools as a cornerstone for building inclusive, democratic societies. In support of these principles, the Agency for Community Rights Realisation in...
Council of Europe Programme Office in Skopje – New Address
The Council of Europe Programme Office in Skopje has relocated to new premises at the Skolimeks Business Center in Skopje. As of April 2026, our new address is: Skolimeks Business Center Str. Vasil Iljoski No. 7 1000 Skopje North Macedonia All official correspondence, including letters and formal...
Commission for Prevention and Protection against Discrimination in North Macedonia explores new strategic approach in combating hatred and discrimination
The Commission for Prevention and Protection against Discrimination has taken an important step forward to advance Strategic Planning for Combating Hate Speech and Discrimination in North Macedonia, during the public meeting with the participation of around 20 members and technical staff of the...
North Macedonia continues its path towards advancing the rights of persons belonging to communities
Representatives of institutions, ethnic communities and international partners gathered in Skopje to help shape the revised Action Plan on Advancing the Rights of Persons Belonging to Communities, an important policy document supporting social cohesion and North Macedonia’s EU accession process....
Love behind locked doors: Supporting children and families in North Macedonia’s prisons
The bustling atmosphere in the large visitors’ area at Idrizovo Prison is suddenly broken by the clattering of locks, followed by the mournful sound of the heavy iron door leading to the space where families come together. It is a weekend day and visiting hours have just begun. Prison security...
Unlocking Justice: Free Legal Aid Brings Hope for Equal Access to Justice for All in North Macedonia
Equal access to justice is a cornerstone of a fair and inclusive society, as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights (European Convention) guaranteeing access to legal assistance for anyone who cannot afford it. In North Macedonia, the European Union and the Council of Europe have...
How “Pinocchio” is helping children in North Macedonia to prevent child trafficking
Fairy tales have always been considered powerful tools for teaching young children about life: how to recognise emotions, learn right from wrong and understand the consequences of their actions. With the support of the EU and Council of Europe action “Strengthening anti-trafficking action in...
Profit or People? The Battle against Modern-Day Slavery in North Macedonia
Human trafficking for labour exploitation is a serious and ever-growing global concern that affects people of all ages. At its core, it means that people are forced or deceived into working under abusive conditions, which infringe upon their human dignity. The victims are severely overworked,...
Call for tenders: Purchase of consultancy services for development of a web-based software solution for managing free legal aid cases for the Ministry of Justice of North Macedonia
Within the framework of the joint European Union/Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, the Council of Europe is currently implementing the action on Towards a Consolidated and More Efficient Free Legal Aid (FLA) System in North Macedonia. In that...
Roma Integration III concludes with strong results and a forward-looking agenda
On 26 March 2026, the closing event of the Joint European Union and Council of Europe Programme “Roma Integration III” was held in Skopje, North Macedonia, bringing together institutional representatives, programme partners, National Roma Contact Points, civil society actors, and international...
Upholding European Standards on Freedom of Expression: Partners and Beneficiaries discuss progress
The Fourth Steering Committee Meeting of the action “Protecting Freedom of Expression and of the Media in North Macedonia (PRO-FREX)” was held in Skopje, bringing together key representatives from public institutions, civil society, and international partners, to review progress and define future...
Learning from European best practices in advancing digital oversight and platform accountability
Audiovisual media regulators from Montenegro and North Macedonia concluded a two-day study visit to Dublin to exchange on European best practices on media regulation, online safety, and the supervision of global digital platforms. The study-visit combined direct exchanges with Irish counterparts...
Improved psychological forensic care strengthens support for human trafficking victims in North Macedonia
Psychologists, social workers, and police officers from across North Macedonia strengthened their capacity to provide trauma-informed care to victims of human trafficking, including children, through a specialised capacity building on psychological forensic and counselling techniques. Victims of...
Advancing democratic and inclusive education: Final Steering Committee reviews results of the “Quality Education for All – North Macedonia” project
The Final Steering Committee Meeting of the project “Quality Education for All – North Macedonia” took place on 11 March 2026 at the Council of Europe Programme Office in Skopje, bringing together representatives of national institutions, education stakeholders, the Council of Europe and the...
Twenty-five schools join forces to strengthen democratic culture, human rights and inclusive education through a national platform for cooperation and peer learning.
Memorandum signed to establish the Network of Democratic and Inclusive Schools in North Macedonia
Representatives of 25 schools from across North Macedonia signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing the Network of Democratic and Inclusive Schools on 10 March 2026 at the Council of Europe Programme Office in Skopje. The event was organised within the framework of the project “Quality...
New practical guide on environmental protection cases through human rights lenses is available
Within the project “Human Rights and Sustainable Environment in South-East Europe,”[1] a publication titled “Guidelines on Environmental Protection Cases Through a Human Rights Lens: Pathway to the European Court of Human Rights” has been released. The purpose of the document is to explain how...
Empowering Social Workers to Combat Discrimination and Antigypsyism
Combating discrimination and antigypsyism are important priorities in the efforts of the Council of Europe to build equal and inclusive societies. Social workers in North Macedonia are often at the forefront in working with vulnerable communities, helping and supporting them. In this framework,...
North Macedonia adopts new National Strategy to combat money laundering and counter terrorism financing, aligned with European standards
The Government of North Macedonia officially adopted a new National Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Strategy and Action Plan, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to combat financial crime. The strategy was developed through an...
North Macedonia initiates pioneering telemedicine in penitentiary healthcare
At the request of North Macedonia’s Ministry of Health, the Council of Europe completed for the first time an assessment mission on introducing telemedicine in penitentiary healthcare. The findings of the assessment report supported by EU and Council of Europe, were discussed with the public...
Equal justice for all: Strengthening joint institutional support for vulnerable communities in North Macedonia
Equal access to justice is a fundamental right that empowers individuals and strengthens societies - especially for the most vulnerable ones. The three-day training on the implementation of the Law on Free Legal Aid in cases involving vulnerable groups held in Strumica focused on the assistance...
EU and Council of Europe support digitalisation of gift registration for public officials in North Macedonia
In the premises of the Council of Europe Programme Office in Skopje Office, was signed today between Oleg Soldatov, Head of the Programme Office and Adem Cucul, President of the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption the act of acceptance for the Gift Registry Platform. The Platform was...
Awareness of Article 3 of the Convention and the External Oversight Mechanism raised among judges, prosecutors, and other stakeholders in North Macedonia
Sixteen judges, senior prosecutors, investigators, advisors, and trainers of the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors attended the workshop aimed at raising awareness of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, and the External Oversight Mechanism. The two-day session, held on...
DPC Open Day 2026: presenting achievements and impact in the field
In a time of rapid acceleration, the Council of Europe’s strength lies in clarity of direction. This message was at the heart of the Directorate of Programme Co-ordination’s (DPC) Open Day 2026, which showcased how co-operation translates political commitments into concrete and measurable...
AI Meets Human Rights: Strengthening Data Protection in North Macedonia
Аs Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become an integral part of everyday life, AI systems increasingly rely on vast amounts of personal data, raising important questions about privacy, transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights. In this context, a one-day...
Social workers, educators and technical staff in kindergartens in Skopje learn more about combating discrimination
The Ministry for Social Policy, Demography and Youth, with the support of the European Union and the Council of Europe, organised a capacity building initiative intended for social workers, as well as educational and technical staff from kindergartens from different municipalities in Skopje. The...
Law Students from Legal Clinics in North Macedonia learn to provide Free Legal Aid
Legal clinics authorised to provide primary legal aid play a vital role in ensuring access to justice and upholding human rights in line with European standards. In a continued effort to strengthen their capacities to provide free legal aid for the most vulnerable communities, 13 law students...
Compensation for victims of trafficking in focus during the commemoration of the week for fight against human trafficking
Victims of human trafficking in North Macedonia often face long processes to rebuild their lives and reintegrate in the society. Compensation, as means to reckon the injustice these victims suffered by the society, is essential for their resocialisation and reintegration. This week, as part of...
Promoting ethical and gender-sensitive reporting on human trafficking cases in North Macedonia
Journalists and communication officers from across North Macedonia sharpened their skills in ethical and gender-sensitive reporting on human trafficking cases during a capacity-building training organised by the European Union and Council of Europe. The session, delivered in cooperation with the...
Judges and Lawyers from across North Macedonia strengthen capacities on freedom of expression and SLAPPs
Freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of democratic societies, yet legal challenges such as defamation, insult, and Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) continue to pose significant risks to the public debate and accountability. To strengthen domestic responses to these...
Artificial Intelligence in the Media: Toward Smarter Regulation in North Macedonia
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries worldwide, its impact on the media sector has become an increasingly pressing topic. The comprehensive analysis “Artificial Intelligence in the Media of North Macedonia: Toward Common Standards for Regulation and Self-Regulation”...
Public presentation of the Draft Law on Social Housing in North Macedonia
On 15 December 2025, a public presentation of the Draft Law on Social Housing was held at the Members of Parliament Club in Skopje. The event brought together representatives of national institutions, local self-government units, civil society organisations, experts, and other relevant...
National Co-ordination Body for Free Legal Aid in North Macedonia discusses digitalisation of the system
Digitalisation of the Free Legal Aid system was in the focus of the 17th meeting of the National Co-ordination Body for the implementation of the Law on Free Legal Aid (NCB), which gathered in Skopje representatives from the Ministry of Justice and its Regional Offices (ROs), Bar Association,...
Building co-operation towards a comprehensive Action Plan on Advancing the Rights of Persons belonging to Communities
The Council of Europe, in co-operation with the Agency for Community Rights Realisation and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade organised in Skopje a consultation process to discuss the draft Action Plan on Advancing the Rights of Persons belonging to Communities dedicated to the...
Judges enhance their knowledge on Free Legal Aid and Access to Justice in civil and administrative cases
In a bid to enhance access to justice for citizens, a group of 15 judges from North Macedonia strengthened their knowledge of the free legal aid framework and improved their skills in applying free legal aid standards within civil and administrative procedures. Supported by the European Union and...
Promoting European democratic values and raising awareness about human rights
The Council of Europe Programme Office in Skopje actively aims to engage youth in its initiatives and thus, reflect their needs and perspectives in its daily work. The responsibility to continue protecting human rights and to preserve democratic heritage for the generations to come rests with...
Empowering Media to Address Gender-Based Violence in North Macedonia
Gender equality is a prerequisite for achieving’ human rights, democracy, and social justice, benefiting the society as a whole. On the other hand, media freedom and gender equality can reinforce one another. Having this in mind, an important goal of the EU and Council of Europe joint action...
Harmonisation of procedures on rehabilitation, resocialisation, and reintegration of foreign terrorist fighters and their families in North Macedonia
The “Handbook on rehabilitation, resocialisation, and reintegration of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) and their families in North Macedonia” published with the support of EU and Council of Europe was presented to relevant institutions during the Workshop on "Necessary steps and...
CyberSEE supports North Macedonia to advance legislative alignment with the Second Additional Protocol to the Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention)
On 24 November 2025, a domestic expert meeting on the provisions of the Second Additional Protocol (2AP) to the Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention) organised by the CyberSEE project in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice took place in Skopje, North Macedonia. Building on the...
