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Republic of North Macedonia

8. Creativity and Culture

8.10 Current debates and reforms

Last update: 5 December 2025

According to the Government Work Programme 2024–2028, cultural infrastructure remains one of the priorities in the country. The Programme states that the Government will continue to invest in cultural development and open new spaces for young people. With the reorganisation of institutions, the Ministry of Culture now functions as the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, combining cultural policy, heritage and tourism promotion under the same structure.

Within this reform process, one of the key steps is the Strategic Plan 2025–2027 of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which defines the main priorities, funding directions and development goals for the cultural sector in the upcoming period. The draft version of the National Strategy for Development of Culture 2023–2027 was prepared, but has not been officially adopted

In public discussions, several issues are regularly mentioned: fair and transparent funding of cultural projects, better cultural infrastructure, and more support for young artists and creative industries. There is also an active debate on how cultural heritage and artistic events can be promoted through tourism, while still keeping their authenticity and local value. Inclusion and accessibility remain important topics, especially when it comes to supporting rural youth, Roma youth and young people with disabilities.

For young people, these reforms mean more opportunities to participate: through public calls for cultural projects, support for creative industries, and involvement in consultations when new laws or strategies are prepared. The connection of culture and tourism may also open new spaces for youth creativity, entrepreneurship and international promotion.