The most significant change for youth in North Macedonia in 2024 is the establishment of a dedicated Ministry for Youth. Previously part of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, the new Ministry for Social Policy, Demography, and Youth now takes on the responsibility of addressing youth issues. As a result of this transition, the former Agency for Youth and Sport has been dissolved. 

This restructuring follows recent government changes that occurred during the elections held in spring, 2024. 

Youth organizations have embraced this change, seeing the new ministry as a significant advancement in prioritizing youth within the government framework. In the past, the Agency struggled with a limited budget and insufficient resources, hindering its capacity to effectively promote youth initiatives. With the establishment of the new ministry, there is optimism for enhanced support and greater investments in youth policy, ultimately benefiting young people throughout the country.

Law on Youth and Youth Participation

The new Law on Youth Participation and Youth Policies envisages opening of the youth centers in municipalities in the country, in order to prepare and implement programs that improve the well-being of young people, the development of personal, social and professional life of young people, information of important interest to young people and other aspects of young people life.

With the adoption of the law, an obligation was introduced for all municipalities to enable the functioning of at least one youth center within 5 years from the adoption of the law.

Since the adoption of the Law on Youth Participation and Youth Policies, there are Youth Centers in  municipalities (12% of all municipalities), namely  in the following municipalities: Centar, Kumanovo, Probishtip, Shtip, Veles, Kavadarci, Ohrid, Bitola, Lipkovo i Gostivar. (August 2024)

Forthcoming policy developments

Currently, there are no further policy developments on youth policies. 

Ongoing debates

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