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1. Governance

2. Cross-sectoral cooperation

Governance

Youth Volunteering in the Republic of North Macedonia is not strictly regulated. There is a Law on Volunteering but it’s general and it doesn’t emphasize youth as a target group.

Volunteering, as a subject in the Republic of North Macedonia has a general focus and the Government does not target young people with tailor-made approaches, thus all legal documents are based on equal inclusive opportunities, regardless of gender, ethnicity, social status, age and does not target specifically young people. Therefore, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy is responsible for volunteerism in general. However, all legal bindings connected with young people and volunteering are exclusive and provide greater focus on young people and their process of development.

In May 2021, at the initiative of several civil society organizations, with the support of the Cabinet of the Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, an initiative was launched to amend the Law on Volunteering in the Republic of North Macedonia. 

In regard to the main actors, nationwide, the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography, and Youth of North Macedonia, is responsible for youth volunteering. As of the last elections in May 2024, North Macedonia underwent significant political and institutional changes. The newly elected government restructured several ministries, resulting in the reorganization of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy and its responsibilities, including youth volunteering, were transferred under the new Ministry of Social Policy, Demography, and Youth. 

In September 2021, a new Strategy for Promotion and Development of Volunteering 2021-2025 and Action Plan for the Implementation of the Strategy was adopted and based on it, the policies for volunteering in North Macedonia are under the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography, and Youth. 

In direction of the fulfillment of the institutional support in the process of volunteering, former Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, formed National Council for Volunteering Development where 9 representatives were nominated from, The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, Ministry for Education and Science, Agency of Youth and Sport, the General Secretariat – department for cooperation with non-governmental organizations, Association of Local Self – Government and 4 representatives of the Civil sector. But since the mandate of the Council has expired (in 2017), it does not currently function. 

Ministry for Education and Science initiated the opening of the National Agency for European Educational Programs and Mobility that has the leading role in providing international volunteering opportunities for youngsters from North Macedonia and volunteering assignments in N. Macedonia for young citizens from EU member states, with its sub programs adopted by European Commission.  The Law on establishing the National Agency for European Education Programmes and Mobility was adopted in 2007.

On local level, in October 2018 in the municipality of Bitola a Local Volunteering Council (Локален волонтерски совет) was established. The Volunteering Council consists of 9 members and it was established in order to work on increasing the number of youth participation in the local community through volunteering and to work on the recognition of volunteer work at the local level. Тhe Local Volunteering Council is still active in the Municipality of Bitola. 

Non-state actors such as civil society organizations and non-formal groups, mainly have the role of initiators and contributors towards implementing the measures set by the government. Civil society organizations are the main organizers of voluntary jobs. Given that volunteers work for a common good and not for someone's own interest, business organizations must not conclude voluntary agreements.

Cross-sectoral cooperation

In the Republic of North Macedonia, cross-sectoral cooperation among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies is essential for defining policies and measures related to youth volunteering. The Ministry of Social Policy, Demography, and Youth (previously Ministry of Labor and Social Policy)  holds primary responsibility for volunteer policies. 

The implementation of the Strategy for Promotion and Development of Volunteering^[1] (2021–2025) is regularly monitored by the National Council for the Development of Volunteering, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography, and Youth , the Ministry of Education and Science (MES), and the General Secretariat of the Government, specifically the department for cooperation with non-governmental organizations. Additionally, the strategy involves the following actors:

• Ministry of Finance
• Ministry of Justice
• Agency of Youth and Sports
• Local Self-Government
• Civil society organizations
• Media
• Educational institutions

These entities collaborate to promote volunteering, integrate it into the educational system, increase its presence in the civil sector and social enterprises, and establish a system for institutional support of volunteering. 

Cross-sectoral cooperation exists, but unfortunately, we cannot see some strong examples of it - when it comes to volunteering. 

Some relevant example could be the following: 

International organizations such as the Peace Corps collaborate with various national partners, including the MLSP, to support community development initiatives and enhance youth engagement through volunteering programs.^[2]