EU-North Macedonia 21st Subcommittee on Innovation, Information Society and Social Policy

EU-North Macedonia 21st Subcommittee on Innovation, Information Society and Social Policy

The 21^st Subcommittee meeting between the EU and North Macedonia under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, covering education and culture, digital transformation and media, social policy and employment, freedom of movement for workers, and science and research, was held on 28 April in Skopje. Representatives of the European Commission discussed the latest developments in these areas with the competent authorities of North Macedonia. The meeting was also attended by the EU Delegation to Skopje and the European Training Foundation. The discussion was co-chaired for the EU by Mr Hubert Duhot, Deputy Head of Unit at the Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood, Unit for Albania and North Macedonia, and for North Macedonia by Ms Gordana Klincharova, State Secretary at the Ministry for Digital Transformation.

On education, the Commission welcomed the progress made in the field of pre-university education and vocational and education training (VET), highlighting the role of the relevant Reform Agenda steps. The Commission took note of the ongoing reform of the Law on Higher Education and asked the authorities of North Macedonia to provide further information on the public consultation process. Also related to this draft law, the EU representatives emphasised the importance of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and alignment with the Bologna Process commitments. They also asked the authorities to provide the expected timeline for the adoption of the legal package, which is now undergoing government procedure. On Erasmus+, the Commission looks for a positive evolution in the performance of the agency in programme implementation and in alignment to the programmes' rules and procedures. On youth policies, the Commission encouraged the authorities to continue the implementation of the National Youth Strategy, adopt a new Action Plan as well as implement the Law on Law on Youth Participation and Youth Policies. On the Skopje European Capital of Culture 2028 project, the Commission underlined the importance of timely and effective implementation. The project represents a key opportunity for Skopje to strengthen its cultural sector and promote cultural cooperation at the European level.

In the field of digital transformation and media, the Commission welcomed the signature of the Grant Agreement for the AI Factory Antenna - Vezilka, and encouraged North Macedonia to continue the promising outreach activities with their neighbouring countries, developing the regional ecosystem of experts and users, also making good use of the European Digital Innovation Hubs. The Commission reiterated its full support to North Macedonia in this process. The Commission also welcomed the commitment of North Macedonia to continue advancing integration into the Digital Single Market, and the implementation of the 112 European emergency number, while noting the need to provide a clear timeline for the second phase of implementation. The Commission underlined that work needs to continue to meet the relevant Reform Agenda steps currently in the grace period, especially related to the Law on Electronic Communications. In the area of media, the Commission welcomed the reassurance concerning funding and financial independence of the Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services.

On social policy and employment, the Commission noted on several draft laws covering social entrepreneurship, occupational safety and health at work, prevention of violence and harassment in the workplace, amicable settlement of labour disputes and social housing, encouraging North Macedonia to set out a clear timeline for their adoption. Additionally, the Commission called the authorities to continue implementing the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan (2023-2026), increasing its capacities to attract more people taking part in the Youth Guarantee and to provide updates on its progress. On social dialogue EC recalls the need to strengthen relations with social partners. On anti-discrimination and equality including gender equality at work, the EU called on North Macedonia to prepare a comprehensive gender equality roadmap and to update relevant national strategies in reference to the EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026-2030 and the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030. Further efforts should also focus on strengthening labour market participation of women, particularly by improving access to employment for women in rural areas, Roma women, and other vulnerable groups, as well as on enhancing the availability and use of gender-disaggregated data and implementing gender-responsive budgeting.

Regarding science and research, the Commission welcomed North Macedonia's continued engagement, including its participation in the Horizon Europe framework programme and national efforts to integrate into the European Research Area. The Commission reminded that North Macedonia needs to take further steps to strengthen its national research and innovation ecosystem, and effective implementation of the national Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3). The Commission also invited the authorities to share the updated S3 Action Plan once available. It welcomed the establishment of the Agency for Innovation Activity, Scientific and Technological Development and Entrepreneurship (INOVA) as a positive step to bring together innovation, scientific and technological development. The Commission called on North Macedonia to enhance the availability of updated research and innovation data, especially for the European Innovation Scoreboard. The Commission also took note of the ongoing drafting process for the new Law on Research Activities and will closely follow the developments in this field.