North Macedonia’s civil society is bracing for a significant blow following the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) decision to reduce its funding substantially. For over thirty years, USAID has been a key player in supporting democratic reforms, fostering the growth of civil society, and promoting private sector development in the region. From 2025 to 2028, nearly $37 million, once earmarked for essential initiatives such as democracy and governance, rule of law, anti-corruption efforts, youth engagement, and media freedom, will be withdrawn. As a result, numerous ongoing programs that have depended on this vital support now face an uncertain future, leaving them scrambling for new funding solutions. The ramifications of USAID’s funding termination could threaten the operational sustainability of North Macedonia’s civil society, igniting concerns about the overall health of its democratic institutions and public engagement. Read more here.
Source: MCMS