The Macedonian Centre for International Cooperation (MCIC), a BCSDN member, has published its 2025 Monitoring Matrix Country Report, highlighting persistent challenges in the enabling environment for civil society in North Macedonia. Despite generally respected fundamental freedoms, CSOs continue to face financial uncertainty, limited institutional support and insufficient opportunities to influence policymaking. Public funding declined in 2025 and remained predominantly project-based, while the suspension of USAID assistance further affected organisational sustainability and employment. Although the reactivation of the Government–Civil Society Cooperation Council and the adoption of the 2025–2028 Strategy marked positive developments, implementation challenges persist. Long-awaited amendments to the Law on Associations and Foundations remain pending, while public consultation procedures are inconsistently applied and access to public information remains problematic. The report also documents public discreditation, online threats and legal pressure affecting independent organisations, including SLAPPs and instances of self-censorship. The findings contribute to BCSDN’s regional Monitoring Matrix assessment of civic space across the Western Balkans and Türkiye. The report is available in both English and Macedonian here.
Source: MCIC