Policy Profile North Macedonia
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Policy Profile North Macedonia
North Macedonia holds the status of a candidate country for the European Union (EU) and is a full member of the Council of Europe. The country has made significant strides in aligning its policies with EU standards and is actively engaged in the accession process.
North Macedonia has been actively pursuing European integration and is part of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). The European Union (EU) provides substantial support to North Macedonia’s socio-economic development and reform efforts through financial and technical assistance under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). Key areas of focus include enhancing governance, fostering economic growth, and strengthening social inclusion.
The EU’s involvement in North Macedonia also emphasises education, innovation, and youth engagement. Programs like ERASMUS+ promote educational exchanges, while the Youth Guarantee scheme helps combat youth unemployment. The EU also supports civil society organisations in North Macedonia, fostering a robust and participatory democratic environment.
The policy-making framework involves key institutions such as the Sobranie (Parliament), the Office of the President, and the Government led by the Prime Minister. These bodies play pivotal roles in shaping national policies and legislative frameworks. Government ministries and agencies are tasked with drafting policy proposals, providing expertise, and implementing laws and regulations. Additionally, civil society, academia, and the private sector are active contributors, offering insights and advocacy that influence policy decisions.
In North Macedonia, the public body responsible for regulating the cultural heritage sector is the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of North Macedonia (Министерство за култура на Република Северна Македонија). The Ministry is tasked with the protection, conservation, and promotion of the country’s cultural heritage, including both tangible and intangible heritage.
Associated to the Ministry of Culture is the Cultural Heritage Protection Authority (Управа за заштита на културното наследство). This is a specialised agency under the Ministry of Culture that handles the practical aspects of cultural heritage protection, such as documentation, conservation, restoration, and protection of cultural monuments. The office works on identifying, registering, and maintaining cultural heritage sites and objects. It also provides expert guidance and monitors the implementation of cultural heritage protection policies.
North Macedonia is comprised of 8 statistical regions. These regions are primarily used for administrative and statistical purposes, as well as for regional development planning. They do not have autonomous governmental powers but serve as a framework for the distribution of resources and implementation of policies.
Nevertheless, North Macedonia has a decentralised system for managing its cultural heritage, involving both national and local authorities. For instance, the Cultural Heritage Protection Authority works closely with regional and local entities. It is responsible for the registration, documentation, conservation, and restoration of cultural heritage across the country. Additionally, municipalities in North Macedonia maintain certain responsibilities for cultural heritage within their jurisdiction. This includes managing local cultural institutions such as museums, libraries, and cultural centres, and promoting local cultural activities and events.
View all North Macedonia policies gathered so far
* = This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence
