About the ILO in the Republic of North Macedonia

Slow convergence with the EU

Since the 1990s, the Republic of North Macedonia has made considerable progress in terms of economic development and integration into global economic markets. Despite these achievements the country is experiencing one of the slowest income convergence with European Union countries compared to peers in the region.

Poverty remains an important challenge, with approximately 41 per cent of the population at risk of poverty or social exclusion, nearly twice the average rate recorded at EU level.  High unemployment, especially among youth, low labour market participation, especially among women, and low job creation are the main challenges in the North Macedonian labour market. Continue reading