News
North Macedonia establishes National Committee for the Protection and Safety of Journalists
The National Committee for the Protection and Safety of Journalists has been established in North Macedonia, marking an important step towards creating a safer and more enabling environment for journalists and media professionals in the country. The Committee will serve as a national mechanism to...
From pilot schools to mentors: Expanding the Network of Democratic and Inclusive Schools in North Macedonia
Twenty-five schools across North Macedonia are taking on a new role as mentors, sharing their experience and good practices with 25 additional partner schools. This was the main focus of the first working meeting of the Network of Democratic and Inclusive Schools, held on 28 October 2026 at the...
Trafficking Victims’ Rights Must Come First: North Macedonia Strengthens its Victim-Centred Approach
In force since 2008, the Council of Europe Convention on action against trafficking in human beings requires states to identify and support trafficking victims, protect them from further harm and ensure they are treated with dignity. To support this, a capacity-building activity brought together...
Open call for grants to support for Local Authorities in organising Citizens’ Assemblies in South-East Europe
The Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe is launching a call for local authorities from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia to receive support in organising citizens’...
New study maps progress and gaps in anti-racism policies in the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership region
Across the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership region, important laws and policies have been adopted to combat racism and discrimination but putting them into practice remains a challenge. Victims still need stronger protection and easier access to effective remedies. These are among the...
Supreme judges discuss effective access to legal aid in criminal proceedings
Concrete interventions and steps to ensure access to free legal aid in criminal proceedings for the individuals and communities in need, were shared with Supreme Court judges and counsellors in Skopje. The discussion focused on the European standards and comparative practices with a particular...
European Day against Human Trafficking marked in North Macedonia with a call for more support for child victims
Working together helps protect children from trafficking. Healthcare professionals, police officers, social workers, lawyers and NGOs must all co-operate to ensure an effective identification and protection of child victims of trafficking, especially those exploited for sex. This was the main...
Building a stronger judicial response to SLAPPs in North Macedonia
Judges and public prosecutors in North Macedonia are taking concrete steps forward towards a more efficient response to Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). During the specialised capacity-building session held in Shtip, they strengthened their knowledge and practical skills...
New manual helps police detect human trafficking and protect victims in North Macedonia
A new training Manual is in the hands of the police officers in North Macedonia to help them recognise possible cases of trafficking in human beings (THB), respond safely and lawfully and protect victims’ rights. The Manual is a result of the support from the EU and Council of Europe joint action...
PRESS RELEASE
From European standards to everyday impact: Western Balkans Beneficiaries and Türkiye mark a decade of EU–Council of Europe programme co-operation
Over the past decade, the partnership between Western Balkans Beneficiaries and Türkiye, with the European Union and the Council of Europe has translated ambition into action, lasting change for institutions, professionals and communities. This co-operation under the “Horizontal Facility for the...
North Macedonia’s Prison Police Intervention Teams: Strengthening Accountability and Expanding Knowledge of Applicable Standards
Applying the domestic legal framework and operational procedures in line with the European Prison Rules, and relevant best practices, was the focus of the exchange with the Prison Police Intervention Teams in North Macedonia, held on 24-25 September 2026. Established two years ago, these teams...
From Dialogue to Action: Strengthening Journalists’ Safety in North Macedonia
A free press depends on the safety of those who work within it. In North Macedonia, main stakeholders are taking concrete steps to strengthen the safety of journalists in reality. Representatives of public institutions, the judiciary, prosecution, media and journalists’ organisations, civil...
National Co-ordination Body for Free Legal Aid in North Macedonia addresses key developments and future reform of the legal aid system
Main developments in the implementation of the free legal aid framework in North Macedonia and key priorities for further strengthening the system were discussed during the 18th Meeting of the National Coordination Body for Free Legal Aid. The event brought together around 60 representatives of...
Strengthening effective financial investigations linked to human trafficking in North Macedonia
Judges, prosecutors, investigators, lawyers, and other key actors in North Macedonia are now better equipped to prosecute traffickers and recover illegal profits, as a result of a specialised training supported by the EU and Council of Europe and implemented in co-operation with the Academy for...
Assisting local actors in North Macedonia to advance access to public information in line with European standards and practice
Representatives of public institutions in North Macedonia strengthened their knowledge and practical skills on access to public information, during a specialised capacity-building activity organised in Skopje. within the European Union and Council of Europe joint programme “Horizontal Facility...
Call for Tenders for the Engagement of Local Consultants for the Project “Quality Education for All – Building Democratic Resilience – North Macedonia”
As part of the implementation of the project “Quality Education for All – Building Democratic Resilience – North Macedonia”, funded by the Federal Republic of Germany, the Council of Europe is launching a call for tenders for the purchase of local consultancy services. The purpose of this call is...
Council of Europe anti-trafficking expert group GRETA joins ICAT’s call
Victims of trafficking forced to commit crimes must be protected, not punished
On the occasion of World Day against Trafficking in Persons, the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) joins the call issued today by the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) on States and relevant stakeholders to...
North Macedonia strengthens efforts to protect children from trafficking for sexual exploitation
To mark the World Day against Trafficking in persons, key anti-trafficking actors in North Macedonia joined forces to strengthen identification, referral and protection of child trafficking victims for sexual exploitation. Organised by the joint European Union and the Council of Europe action...
Call for Tenders for the Engagement of International Consultants for the Project “Quality Education for All – Building Democratic Resilience – North Macedonia”
As part of the implementation of the project “Quality Education for All – Building Democratic Resilience – North Macedonia”, funded by the Federal Republic of Germany, the Council of Europe is launching a call for tenders for the purchase of international consultancy services. The purpose of this...
New Guide helps journalists in North Macedonia recognise and respond to SLAPPs
Journalists and media professionals in North Macedonia now have a practical guide to help them recognise, prevent and respond to Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), strengthening their ability to protect freedom of expression and continue reporting on matters of public...
Regional Workshop in Skopje advances LORAI Dashboard Development
Twenty-six representatives from Local Government Associations across the Western Balkans, the Council of Europe, the Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe (NALAS), the European Union Delegation to North Macedonia, and regional experts convened for a regional workshop...
Senior prison police officers strengthen capacity to prevent ill-treatment in North Macedonia
Twenty-two senior prison police officers from all 12 penitentiary facilities have strengthened their capacity to prevent ill-treatment, and ensure proper reporting of incidents, contributing to greater accountability and protection of human rights in prisons. The two-day capacity building...
North Macedonia’s Prison Police Intervention Teams learn from Polish experience
Officers from North Macedonia’s Prison Police Intervention Teams made their first official study visit to Warsaw, exchanging experiences and best practices with Poland’s Prison Service Intervention Group (PSIG). The delegation was led by the Acting Head of the Directorate for the Execution of...
New Roadmap for North Macedonia to mitigate and manage money laundering risks related to virtual assets
A Roadmap for mitigating and managing money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) risks related to the use of Virtual Assets and Virtual Assets Service Providers was finalised with the Financial Intelligence Office of the Republic of North Macedonia, in co-operation with the EU and Council...
Free Legal Aid in North Macedonia: Achievements and Priorities discussed with key actors
Main achieved milestones and future priorities in the efforts to advance free legal aid in North Macedonia were the focus of the discussion with key beneficiaries and actors in the field, during the 7th Steering Committee meeting of the EU and Council of Europe joint action “Towards a...
“Let Everyone Know” echoes at Skopje PRIDE 2026
The heart of Skopje pulsed with vibrant colours and voices celebrating diversity and equality, as many gathered for the 2026 edition of Skopje PRIDE under this year’s slogan: “Let Everyone Know!” This year march, both a celebration of diversity and a call for equality, was co-supported by the...
Council of Europe Programme Office in Skopje Welcomes Interns from European Commission’s DG ENEST
Last week, the Council of Europe Programme Office in Skopje had the pleasure to welcome a group of interns from the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST) of the European Commission. The aim of this visit was to learn firsthand about the work and main priorities...
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...
