Monitoring VET Recommendation and Osnabrück Declaration – North Macedonia 2023

In 2023, North Macedonia took part in the EU's first integrated monitoring of VET reforms under the 2020 Council Recommendation and the Osnabrück Declaration. The exercise focused on five EU priorities including agility, inclusiveness, innovation, attractiveness, and quality assurance in VET. Despite pre-pandemic economic stabilisation, progress slowed due to COVID-19, with youth unemployment remaining high at 32.5% in 2022. Political developments and ongoing EU accession efforts frame the reform agenda, which includes expanding support for disadvantaged groups and improving education policies. The brief contributes to wider EU monitoring and tracks national implementation of VET reforms.