The European Training Foundation (ETF) assessment provides an external, forward-looking analysis of the country's human capital development issues and VET policy responses in a lifelong learning perspective. It is based on evidence provided in North Macedonia's National Torino Process Report compiled in 2018 using a standardised questionnaire (National Reporting Framework – NRF) and additional information sources, where relevant.
This report comes at an important time in the strategic development of the country. The resolution of the naming dispute with Greece removes a significant obstacle to opening negotiations with the European Union (EU). EU membership is the main driver of reform in North Macedonia, which also pursues a number of complementary strategic goals, such as the integration of the country in the regional economic area (REA) of the Western Balkans, the development and cross-border use of digital skills, and the promotion of mobility of professionals, students, and academics.
North Macedonia is also about to enter the next multiannual cycle of reform implementation. This includes preparation for EU support through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) in 2021-27. In this context, the assessment is expected to provide a reliable source of information for the prioritisation of reforms and the design of actions by providing input to the EU and national policymakers in the area of education and training. The findings complement those presented during the monitoring of the Economic Reform Programme, but from the point of view of the education and training sector.
North Macedonia is also committed to a number of joint regional priorities in the South East Europe 2020 Strategy, which include interventions in areas such as trade, investment, digitalisation of the economy, labour force mobility, the development of a Regional Investment Reform Agenda and of a Digital Agenda.
Education and training have a major role in the realisation of these ambitions and in preparing the country for the associated changes. However, there are also a number of challenges to human capital development and use, as described below. If left unattended, they may limit the potential of these strategic opportunities.