Skopje, 30.06.2026
The Minister of Economy and Labor, Besar Durmishi, at today's press conference on the occasion of two years of the work of the Ministry of Economy and Labor, presented the key results, implemented reforms and policies that in the past period were aimed at protecting the living standards of citizens, increasing employment, improving the business climate and supporting investments.
"Today I am not here to talk about political assessments. I am here to talk about results. In the past two years, we have implemented policies that have a direct impact on citizens, companies and the economic development of the country," Minister Durmishi emphasized.
In his address, the Minister emphasized that in the face of global economic challenges, disrupted supply chains and geopolitical crises, the Ministry responded in a timely manner with targeted market stabilization measures, including limiting trade margins and introducing consumer baskets, in order to alleviate pressure on family budgets and prevent unjustified price shocks.
At the same time, as he pointed out, the Government is working on long-term strategic stabilization of the market through coordination with all competent institutions, manufacturers, traders and Chambers of Commerce, with the aim of timely recognition of risks and ensuring a predictable economic environment.
In the area of employment policies, the Minister noted that the Operational Employment Plans for 2024, 2025 and 2026 have been successfully implemented. In 2025 alone, more than MKD2.5 billion were provided for active employment measures, of which over MKD2 billion were implemented. The measures for self-employment, internships, retraining and opening new jobs were particularly successful.
One of the most significant results was the successful implementation of the Youth Guarantee, through which 26.636 young people were removed from the unemployment register through employment, education or inclusion in active measures.
For 2026, MKD2.41 billion have been provided through the new Operational Plan, which will cover 10.352 citizens through grants for self-employment, support for new companies, subsidized employment, internships, training for shortage occupations, support for people with disabilities, and youth allowance.
The Minister also referred to the reforms in the field of labor, informing that more than 20 legal solutions have been adopted or amended in the past period. The Economic and Social Council has been reactivated, the Commission for Determining Representativeness has been put into operation again, and the legal amendments have reduced the threshold for representativeness of trade unions from 10 to 5 percent, thus re-establishing a functional social dialogue between the Government, trade unions and employers.
In order to improve the business environment, the Ministry has implemented significant activities within the framework of the Reform Agenda, 28 para-fiscal taxes have been optimized, 100 administrative procedures have been mapped that will be simplified and digitalized, and the National Strategy for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises for the period 2025–2030 has been prepared.
The Minister noted that the Ministry has assumed new responsibilities in the area of financial support for investments, with the 2026 Budget providing MKD1 billion and 230 million to support companies that invest, create new jobs and create added value.
As a concrete example of a successful investment policy, the Tetovo Technological and Industrial Development Zone was pointed out where companies in 2025 realized production worth over MKD6.4 billion and exports of almost MKD8.9 billion, with a total of 1.845 employees. At the same time, a new investment by the company CAVO Automotive, worth EUR21 million, was announced, which will open around 550 new jobs.
In his address, the Minister emphasized that the Ministry is also actively working to fulfill the reform obligations related to European integration through the implementation of IPA projects, harmonization of legislation with European standards, strengthening the competitiveness of the economy and developing human capital.
"We are aware that numerous challenges remain, but I am confident that the reforms we have initiated are solid foundation for a more competitive, innovative and resilient economy. We continue with the same goal - more investments, more jobs, stronger companies and a better standard of living for every citizen," said the Minister of Economy and Labor, Besar Durmishi.