North Macedonia
The European Training Foundation (ETF) cooperates closely with the European Commission and the European External Action Service to support North Macedonia in advancing education, training and employment reforms. The ETF also assists the EU Delegation to North Macedonia through contributions to policy monitoring mechanisms—including progress in VET, employment policy and human‑capital developments captured in the Torino Process—and supports evidence gathering for the Economic Reform Programme and the Small Business Act.
North Macedonia continues implementing actions under the Osnabrück Declaration,, in close cooperation with its sister agency Cedefop. The Osnabrück Declaration sets out policy actions for the 2021–25 period, in support of the Council Recommendation on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience. The national implementation plan for North Macedonia describes how the country plans to address EU priorities and achieve its national objectives in VET.
The ETF monitors the implementation of qualifications reforms, supports the review of the VET financing framework, and advises on the development of regional VET centres and work‑based learning policies. It also works with the Ministry of Labour and the Employment Service Agency to strengthen the employment strategic framework and skills intelligence systems linking VET with labour‑market needs.
Read our 2025 update on Key policy developments in education, training and employment (ETF, 2025). For a quick overview, see below.
2025 developments at a glance
National reform and EU integration
A new government took office in 2024, maintaining broad commitment to the EU path. Accession negotiations continue, although progress remains uneven due to several structural and political factors. A long-term National Development Strategy (2024–2044) was adopted, providing a roadmap for sustainable socio‑economic development aligned with EU frameworks.
New legal framework for education and training
Between December 2024 and April 2025, North Macedonia adopted a comprehensive package of education laws: VET, adult education, the national qualifications framework (NQF), textbooks, educational inspection, primary and secondary education. Rulebooks on guidance, teacher evaluation and support services were also adopted. Work began on the new Education Strategy 2026–2030.
VET system reform and expansion
VET participation remains among the highest in the region, reaching around 69% of secondary enrolments. The new VET Law introduces dual education at all qualification levels, modularisation, stronger employer engagement, WBL requirements and the State VET Matura. Regional VET Centres expanded their mandate to include adult learning, validation of prior learning (VNFIL) and business collaboration. New post‑secondary programmes were adopted.
Work-based learning (WBL)
Dual education continued to expand: 650 companies and 4,171 students participated in 2024/25. New legal provisions define obligations for schools and employers, student protection measures, mentor training requirements and compensation rules for practical training. ETF conducted an assessment of WBL quality against EU standards.
Labour‑market performance
Employment stood at 45.8% in 2024, with unemployment falling to 12.4%, though both indicators remain below EU benchmarks. Youth unemployment decreased to 29.0%. The NEET rate fell to 22.6% after rising in the previous year. Structural challenges persist, including informality, skills mismatch and low productivity. Responsibilities for employment policy were reorganised across two ministries.
Social inclusion and active labour‑market measures
Targeted measures support vulnerable groups, including recipients of Guaranteed Minimum Income. ALMP participation reached 12,368 people in 2024. Self‑employment programmes expanded significantly in 2025, while uptake of traineeships and digital training remains modest.
Youth Guarantee (YG)
North Macedonia continues to implement the YG, the first such system outside the EU. More than 70,000 NEETs have registered since 2018. Around 40% of young people receiving an offer remain in employment, education or training after 18 months. Data for 2025 shows strong engagement but slower transitions for certain groups.
Digital transformation
Implementation of the ICT Strategy 2023–2027 progressed, supported by the 2024 SelfieforTeachers study. A national digital‑skills baseline is emerging, though gaps persist—especially among adults and disadvantaged groups. ETF contributes to digital‑education policy development aligned with the Digital Education Action Plan 2027.
Green transition
Sector handbooks were developed to introduce green skills across 14 vocational areas. Teacher training supported implementation, and further integration of green content into core curricula is planned. North Macedonia engages in regional initiatives such as GREENOVET and the Regional Challenge Fund.
Adult learning
A new Law on Adult Education and the Adult Education Strategy (2025–2030) introduced VNFIL, microcredentials, quality assurance requirements, new accreditation procedures, and stronger roles for RVETCs. Adult participation increased to 3.7% but remains well below EU averages. Funding gaps, uneven provision and low awareness continue to constrain access
Priorities for 2026
👉 Advance implementation of the new VET and NQF legislation, including the roll‑out of the State VET Matura, modular curricula and strengthened WBL.
👉 Support the development of Regional VET Centres, ensuring coherent governance, quality assurance, adult‑learning integration and employer partnerships.
👉 Deepen Youth Guarantee implementation, with improved outreach, quality offers and data systems.
👉 Strengthen digital and green skills, supported by targeted teacher development and curriculum reform.
👉 Improve the relevance of skills to labour‑market demand, especially in fast‑growing technical sectors.
👉 Enhance data availability and system performance, including the new financing model for primary and secondary education.
👉 Boost adult‑learning participation, expanding VNFIL, modular provision and guidance services.