Skopje, 22.12.2025
On today's fifth session of the Economic and Social Council (ESC) were discussed key issues related to the labor market, living standards and social dialogue. Harmonization of positions between the Government, trade unions and employers remains a fundamental principle in the creation of economic and social policies.
The Minister of Economy and Labor, Besar Durmishi, presented the progress in the preparation of the Operational Plan for Active Employment Programs and Measures for 2026, with a total budget of MKD2.39 billion. The focus is on young people, on training in skills required by the labor market, and on the inclusion of vulnerable categories, especially people with low or no formal education.
"The Ministry's position regarding the minimum salary is clear and based on official data. Inflation shows stabilization, and the legally established adjustment in March remains the only sustainable and predictable mechanism for increasing the minimum salary," said Minister Durmishi.
He emphasized that the minimum salary is calculated through a transparent formula - 50 percent of the increase in the average salary and 50 percent of the increase in the cost of living, with a legal guarantee that it cannot be lower than 57 percent of the average net salary, as a model agreed within the ESC and aligned with European practices.
The Minister warned that a sudden and unplanned increase in the minimum salary, without any connection to productivity and real economic capacities, could create pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises, adding that the Government's goal is gradual, sustainable and predictable growth.
Social dialogue continues, and the Economic and Social Council remains the key platform for harmonizing views in the interest of citizens and stable economic development.