North Macedonia

The regional project “Social Inclusion of Disadvantaged Groups in the Western Balkans” (SoRi) has been named among the top ten finalists of the 2026 GIZ Gender Awards. The initiative demonstrates how integrating a gender perspective into social service design can lead to more inclusive policies and improved support for vulnerable groups across the region.

Улогата на жената во руралните средини отсекогаш била потценета. Соочени со низа стереотипизации, жените во најголем дел од случаите биле и сè уште се класифицирани како „домаќинки“, но не и како некој кој може да води земјоделско стопанство или да гради успешна бизнис приказна. Дури 70 отсто од руралните жени не се активни на пазарот на трудот поради ангажман во домаќинството и грижата за деца, а 60 отсто од невработените рурални жени вршат неплатена работа на семејните фарми.

Around 50 representatives from key institutions gathered in Skopje for a workshop on cyber diplomacy, highlighting the growing importance of coordinated responses to cyber threats. The event fostered dialogue, knowledge exchange, and cooperation to strengthen cybersecurity resilience in North Macedonia and the Western Balkans.

The WiFi4WB initiative was officially launched in Kochani, bringing free public Wi Fi to 64 municipalities across North Macedonia. Implemented by GIZ under the EU4Digital project and co financed by the European Union and the Government of Germany, the initiative aims to improve digital connectivity, reduce the digital divide, and provide citizens and visitors with reliable internet access in public spaces.

While vine growers are preparing to prune the vines, wine from the 2025 harvest is maturing in the cellars of Macedonian wineries. Production is expected to reach between 90 and 100 million liters, which is the average over the past 10 years. At least 85 % of it will end up in foreign markets.

The Western Balkans Six Women Diplomats Network was officially launched in Sarajevo, creating a regional platform to strengthen women’s leadership in diplomacy and promote gender equality in foreign policy. The initiative supports closer regional cooperation and marks an important step in implementing commitments under the Berlin Process.

Germany, through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), provided technical support and expertise to help implement the digital systems required for the practical application of the law. By supporting institutions and businesses in adopting these digital tools, the initiative contributes to a more modern, efficient, and fair labour market in North Macedonia.

As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, cities like Kriva Palanka are facing growing flood risks that require innovative and sustainable responses.

In response to the increasing flood risks facing the city of Kumanovo, a Flood Risk Assessment Workshop was held today in Kumanovo, addressing flooding as a growing environmental and infrastructural challenge, closely linked to climate change and the need for more resilient and sustainable urban planning.