All posts by : CRPM North Macedonia

As part of the project “Building a Safe Future through Comprehensive Research and Analysis of the Firefighting Sector in the Republic of North Macedonia,” the Volunteer Fire Department Sveti Nikole carried out a series of activities aimed at strengthening national capacities in the firefighting sector through research, data analysis, and digitalization.

The project team conducted field visits to 34 territorial firefighting units and 24 voluntary firefighting societies across the country. Using structured questionnaires, the team collected detailed data on the condition of firefighting vehicles, technical equipment, and available human resources. The collected information represents the first coordinated national effort to assess firefighting readiness and identify existing challenges across both professional and voluntary units.

In parallel, the project developed a dedicated web platform – pozarni.mk, which is currently in the final testing phase. Once launched, the platform will offer a centralized, publicly accessible overview of the firefighting system in North Macedonia, supporting data-driven planning and coordination among institutions, emergency services, and civil society stakeholders. The domain and hosting have been secured for one year.

The findings from the field research are being consolidated into a comprehensive Analysis Report, which will provide an evidence-based overview of systemic needs and policy recommendations. The final report and platform will be presented at a public event by the end of October 2025, in Sveti Nikole, in front of local authorities and relevant stakeholders. By mapping existing capacities and introducing digital tools for public visibility and institutional planning, the project contributes to a more resilient, transparent, and responsive emergency response system in North Macedonia.

Summary of organization’s strategic orientation

The National Youth Council of Macedonia (NYCM) is a union of associations where associations and foundations from the Republic of Macedonia are registered on a voluntary basis. The NYCM is a representative body for youth organizations in Macedonia. NYCM unites 50 organizations: 10 youth organizations, 19 organizations for youth, 1 union, 3 youth wings of other organizations, 2 students unions and 15 associate members. From 29 November 2015, the NYCM is part of the European family of youth organizations called the European Youth Forum (EYF).
The National Youth Council of Macedonia (NYCM) strategically focuses on strengthening youth representation, advocacy, and participation at both local and national levels. As the representative body for youth organizations, NYCM works to enhance the role of youth in decision-making, develop inclusive policies, and support youth activism. Its core objectives include empowering youth organizations, fostering non-formal education, advocating for youth rights, and promoting equality, tolerance, and democracy. The council’s strategic priorities center on strengthening youth organizing, increasing youth participation in governance, and improving the social position of young people through capacity-building, policy advocacy, and inclusive participation models.
NYCM’s strategic priorities:
Strategic priority 1: Support and Strengthening of Youth Organizing, Capacity Development, and Positioning of Youth Organizational Forms.
Strategic priority 2: Increased Youth Participation in Policy-Making and Decision-Making Processes at the National and Local Levels.
Strategic priority 3: Strengthening the Social Position of Youth and Advancing Youth Standards and Youth Rights.

Summary of the project:

The project “Functional mechanisms for active youth participation at the national level” focuses on enhancing youth participation in policy-making processes and the development of programs that directly or indirectly shape the lives of young people in North Macedonia. Although the Law on Youth Participation and Youth Policies legally mandates mechanisms for youth participation at both the national and local levels, key structures such as the National Youth Assembly and the National Youth Policy Advisory Body have not yet been established. This absence hinders the effective representation of youth perspectives in decision-making processes.
To address this, the project focuses on establishing these mechanisms and ensuring their efficient functioning by developing guidelines in accordance with the law. The planned activities aim to deliver visible results that will directly contribute to the efficient, full, and consistent implementation of the Law on Youth Participation and Youth Policies.
Expected Results
R1: Prepared Manuals with functional guidelines for the transparent and effective operation of the National Youth Assembly and the National Youth Policy Advisory Body.
R2: The constitutive session of the National Youth Assembly held in accordance with legal regulations.
R3: Youth representatives elected to the National Youth Policy Advisory Body.
R4: Increased number of young people and youth organizations participating in political and social processes through national youth mechanisms.
R5: Improved awareness among young people, youth organizations, and decision-makers about the importance of youth participation in policymaking.

Project goal(s):

Overall Objective: To strengthen youth participation in decision-making processes at the national level through the establishment of mechanisms in accordance with the Law on Youth Participation and Youth Policies.

Specific Objectives:
• Support the efficient functioning of the National Youth Assembly and the National Youth Policy Advisory Body through the development and adoption of manuals with precise guidelines for their structure and tasks, in accordance with the relevant legal framework.
• Ensure inclusive and legitimate representation of youth in national decision-making processes in line with legal regulations.
• Raise public awareness about the importance of establishing functional mechanisms for youth participation at the national level in the creation and implementation of youth policies and programs.

Who will benefit from the project? (Based on target groups and expected results)

The target groups of the project are young people aged 15 to 29, youth organizations, civil society organizations working on youth issues, and representatives from public institutions involved in the creation and implementation of youth policies and programs. The final beneficiaries are all young people in North Macedonia who will benefit from the establishment of the National Youth Assembly and the National Youth Policy Advisory Body, as these mechanisms will represent their interests in national decision-making processes.
Main activities (up to 15 bullet points)
A1: Development of Manuals for the Operation of the National Youth Assembly and the National Youth Policy Advisory Body
A1.1 Analysis of best practices for the operation of national youth participation mechanisms;
A1.2 Development of draft versions of manuals for National Youth Assembly and the National Youth Policy Advisory Body;
A1.3 Consultative meeting with youth organizing forms on the prepared manuals;
A2: Constitution of the National Youth Assembly and the National Youth Policy Advisory Body
A2.1 Formation of an initiative committee to convene the National Youth Assembly;
A2.2 Preparation and holding of the constituent session of the National Youth Assembly;
A2.3 Adoption of the prepared manuals by the National Youth Assembly;
A2.4 Election and appointment of youth sector representatives to the National Youth Policy Advisory Body;
A3: Promotional Campaign on the Importance of Establishing Functional Mechanisms for Youth Participation at the National Level
A3.1 Press conferences
A3.2 Online campaign

Results:

• Final Presentation on the Functional mechanisms for active youth participation at the national level (Available in Macedonian)
• Press Release – Functional mechanisms for active youth participation at the national level (Available in Macedonian)
• National Youth Assembly Manual (Available in Macedonian)
• National Youth Assembly Manual (Available in Albanian)
• Manual for the National Advisory Body for Youth Policies (Available in Macedonian)
• Manual for the National Advisory Body for Youth Policies (Available in Albanian)

Summary of organization’s strategic orientation:

The European Policy Institute (EPI), founded in 2011, is a research-driven organization committed to shaping European policies through high-quality analysis and advocacy. Its strategic orientation is centered on fostering informed debate and policy solutions, engaging decision-makers, civil society, and the broader public in North Macedonia and the region.
EPI operates across three core programs:

• EU Accession: Monitoring and Advocacy – analyzing and influencing the EU integration process;
• Democracy and Rule of Law – promoting legal and institutional reforms;
• Monitoring EU Funds – ensuring transparency and accountability in EU financial assistance.

Through over 60 projects, EPI has played a key role in legal and governance reforms, spearheading initiatives like the Blueprint Group for Judiciary Reform and Network 23, and producing influential reports, including the shadow report on Chapter 23 (judiciary, anti-corruption, and fundamental rights). Recognized by the European Commission for best practices, EPI provides critical assessments of the EU’s annual country reports and strengthens civil society’s role in policymaking.

Summary of the project:

The project “Judicial Action for the Protection of Human Rights” aims to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights in North Macedonia through the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. It focuses on raising awareness, building judicial capacity, and increasing visibility of the UPR mechanism among judges, public prosecutors and key stakeholders. By engaging judicial institutions, civil society, and the media, the project seeks to strengthen the judiciary’s and public prosecution’s role in effectively implementing UPR recommendations, particularly in areas like gender-based violence and access to justice.

Project goal(s):

General Goal (Impact):

Promotion and protection of human rights through the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.

Specific Objectives (Outcomes):

1. Introducing judges and public prosecutors to the UPR process and identifying their capacity-building needs.
2. Enhancing judges and public prosecutors’ capacities regarding the UPR process and its significance.
3. Strengthening the visibility of the UPR process.

Who will benefit from the project? (Based on target groups and expected results)

Ministry of Justice, Government of the Republic of North Macedonia, Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors, Judicial Council, Council of Public Prosecutors, Association of Judges, Association of Public Prosecutors, Council for Judicial Sector Reforms, Council for Monitoring the Implementation of the Judicial Development Sector Strategy, thematic networks of civil society organizations, media/journalists.

Main activities (up to 15 bullet points)

• A brief document providing a detailed explanation of the UN UPR process in clear and accessible language for judges, public prosecutors and the wider public;
• Promotional event;
• Preparation and delivery of two training sessions for 40 judges and public prosecutors to gain an in-depth understanding of the UPR process;
• Two podcasts, two blogs, and two infographics on the topic;
• Briefing with journalists.

Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors_Building judicial capacities for the protection of human rights (Available in Alb)

The judiciary in focus of the UPP_From recommendations to implementation (Available in MK)

The judiciary in focus of the UPP_From recommendations to implementation (Available in Alb)

Final_Corruption and human rights (Available in MK)

Summary of organization’s strategic orientation:

The Volunteer Fire Department Sveti Nikole is dedicated to strengthening fire safety, emergency preparedness, and environmental protection in North Macedonia. Our strategic orientation focuses on:
– Capacity Building and Training – Enhancing the knowledge and operational skills of volunteer firefighters through continuous training, exercises, and participation in international programs.
– Community Engagement and Education – Raising public awareness, especially among young people, about fire prevention, disaster preparedness, and climate change impacts.
– Modernization and Innovation – Upgrading firefighting equipment, introducing new technologies, and integrating digital tools for efficient fire prevention and response.
– Legislative and Institutional Development – Advocating for improved regulations and policies that support a sustainable voluntary firefighting sector in North Macedonia.
– Networking and International Cooperation – Strengthening partnerships with national and international firefighting organizations to exchange best practices and enhance cross-border collaboration.
– Environmental Protection and Sustainability – Addressing the link between wildfires and climate change through afforestation, ecological restoration, and sustainable land management.
Through these strategic pillars, we aim to build a safer and more resilient future for our community and beyond.

Summary of the project:

The firefighting sector in the Republic of North Macedonia faces significant challenges, including outdated equipment, limited resources and insufficient human capacity. These shortcomings hinder the ability to respond quickly and effectively to fires and other emergencies, posing a risk to public safety, infrastructure and the environment. Given the increasing challenges related to climate change, there is an urgent need for strategic planning and modernization of the firefighting system.

This project aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current state of the firefighting sector, including both professional and voluntary units. The findings will be used to create a centralized database of existing resources, which will be hosted on a web-based platform. This platform will improve transparency and enable more efficient management of resources at national and local levels. In addition, the project will strengthen cooperation with key government institutions, such as the Directorate for Protection and Rescue (DPR), the Crisis Management Center (CMC), the Association of Local Self-Government Units (ZELS) and municipal authorities, ensuring better coordination and joint action.

By taking a holistic approach, the project will contribute to the long-term modernization of the firefighting sector through future strategic planning and integration of modern practices in infrastructure, human resources and equipment. Rather than focusing on one aspect, it will provide an in-depth analysis of overall capacities and lay the foundation for future initiatives and applications for funding from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and other international donors.

Alignment with the priorities of the public call.
The project directly aligns with the thematic priorities of the public call, in particular in the areas of “Security and Stability” and “Good Governance”:

– Security and Stability: Strengthening the capacities of firefighting services will improve the ability to respond to fires and other natural disasters, which pose a significant threat to national and regional stability. By establishing a data-based approach and creating a strategic analysis, the project will facilitate and lead in the near future to more efficient risk management, increasing the potential of the firefighting sector from every aspect in the event of fires and other large-scale natural disasters with regional consequences.

– Good Governance: The web platform developed within the project will improve coordination between national and local authorities, firefighting units and relevant state institutions. This will lead to more efficient resource management, better decision-making and increased transparency in the process of modernizing the firefighting sector. The platform will address existing challenges related to inadequate coordination and capacities, ultimately contributing to a more efficient emergency management system.

– Relevance to national, regional and local strategies: The project is fully aligned with national, regional and local security and development strategies:

– National Civil Protection Strategy of North Macedonia: The project provides concrete data and tools for the modernization of the firefighting sector, aligning with national plans for improving civil protection and emergency response.

– Regional security strategies: Strengthening firefighting capacities across the region is essential for ensuring regional stability. A modern firefighting sector reduces the risk of large-scale fires, which often have cross-border effects.

– Local security strategies: Municipalities will have direct access to relevant data on firefighting capacities, which will allow them to respond more effectively to fires and other hazards.

By implementing this initiative, the Republic of North Macedonia will take a key step towards strengthening its firefighting sector, improving disaster resilience, and ensuring long-term security for its citizens.

Project goal(s):

General Goal:
To strengthen the capacities of the firefighting sector in North Macedonia through comprehensive research, resource analysis, and the development of a centralized database hosted on a new web platform, aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of firefighting services.

Specific Objectives :
– Conduct a detailed analysis of the existing human resources, equipment, and firefighting vehicles in North Macedonia’s firefighting sector.
– Develop a centralized database integrated into a web platform, providing comprehensive information on available resources for fire management and crisis response.
– Establish partnerships to foster continuous cooperation with relevant state institutions, local authorities, and civil society organizations to enhance the capacities of the firefighting sector.
Who will benefit from the project? (Based on target groups and expected results)

Primary beneficiaries (target groups):

The project will directly benefit key stakeholders involved in firefighting, disaster management and local government, ensuring improved coordination, efficiency and resource management. These include:

– 34 Professional Firefighting Units, improved and enhanced future resource allocation and operational efficiency.
– 15 Volunteer Firefighting Associations, through improved integration and access to shared information and resources.
– Directorate for Protection and Rescue of North Macedonia, with enhanced crisis response capability.
– Crisis Management Center of North Macedonia, with fast and efficient decision-making based on data analysis and web platform in case of emergency situations.
– Community of Local Self-Government Units (ZELS), through improved coordination between municipalities for firefighting and disaster prevention.
– Local self-government units, with increased preparedness and capacity for response to fire-related disasters.
– The general population, with faster response times and improved fire services.

End beneficiaries (end users):

As a result of the project results, the following entities will experience long-term benefits:

– Directorate for Protection and Rescue of North Macedonia – Use of the web platform for strategic planning and coordination.
– Crisis Management Center of North Macedonia – Access to real-time data for improved emergency response.
– Professional fire departments – Better resource management and improved operational readiness.
– Volunteer fire departments – Enhanced support, recognition and cooperation with state institutions.
– General population of North Macedonia – Increased safety and resilience from fires and other disasters.
– Government of North Macedonia – Strengthened national fire infrastructure aligned with EU and international standards.
– ZELS (Association of Local Self-Government Units) – Enhanced cooperation and local capacity building.
– Local Government Units – Data-Based Decision Making for Public Safety Investments.

By creating a centralized database and web platform, the project will provide critical insights for creating a future 10-year strategic development plan, ensuring sustainable improvements in fire management, prevention and emergency response across the country.

Main activities:

1. Contractual Meetings with relevant state institutions (Crisis Management Center, Protection and Rescue Directorate, Association of Local Self-Government Units) to establish a legal framework and sign memorandums of cooperation.
2. Formation of a Research Team consisting of two experts to design an electronic survey questionnaire.
3. Development and Testing of a Survey Questionnaire for analyzing human resources, equipment, vehicles, and logistical capacities.
4. Field Visits to 34 professional firefighting units and 15 volunteer firefighting societies to collect relevant data.
5. Meetings with Fire Unit Commanders and Presidents to map their specific needs and challenges in detail.
6. Preparation of a Detailed Analysis of the collected data on material-technical and human capacities in the firefighting sector.
7. Engagement of Experts (Graphic and Web Designers) to prepare and digitalize the analysis.
8. Creation of a Database for all firefighting capacities and integration into a new web platform.
9. Development of a New Website for public access to the database and improved transparency.
10. Organization of Three Coordination Meetings with state institutions to integrate project results into policies.
11. Final Conference Organization with at least 30 key stakeholders to present findings and recommendations.
12. Dissemination of the Analysis and Recommendations via the web platform and social media to raise public awareness.
13. Incorporation of Best European Practices into the analysis to improve the мacedonian firefighting system.
14. Recommendations for Improving the Legal Framework based on collected data and international examples.
15. Continuous Promotion and Monitoring of Results after project completion, with regular updates to the database.

Results:

Project Implementation Progress (available in English)

Analysis of the Firefighting Sector in the Republic of North Macedonia (available in Macedonian)

Analysis of the Firefighting Sector in the Republic of North Macedonia – Final Conference Presentation (Available in Macedonian)

Summary of organization’s strategic orientation:

The Metamorphosis Foundation envisions a society where engaged and aware citizens actively use innovative tools to exercise their civic rights and responsibilities, where they are vigilant in influencing and holding their government to account, and thus ensure democratic, accountable, and responsive governance. Metamorphosis Foundation works on strengthening the awareness and capacity of citizens and civil society to assume their fullest possible role as activists for democracy, while supporting government to fulfill its democratic role in serving society.

Summary of the project:

Fostering a cyber-resilient ecosystem by strengthening civil society organizations and raising citizen awareness of cyber threats and cyber hygiene. Project activities foster awareness and understanding among the community about the importance of cybersecurity, ensuring that issues of proper and regular cyber hygiene and effective handling of cyber threats (phishing, social engineering, malware, online disinformation, identity theft, etc.) receive the necessary attention, resources and joint efforts needed for effective solutions.

Project goal(s):

• Promoted collective culture of cybersecurity and responsible online behavior in the community;
• Strengthened and educated civil society organizations, able to apply good cybersecurity practices and increase their resilience to cyber threats, through capacity-building training and mentoring;
• Enhanced awareness of cybersecurity and cyber hygiene among citizens through a promotional awareness-raising campaign;
Who will benefit from the project? (Based on target groups and expected results)
• Civil Society Organizations
• Citizens (general population), with a special focus on vulnerable groups (elderly, women, youth, Roma, etc.)

Main activities:

• Organizing 3 trainings for a total of 30 civic activists on organizational cybersecurity and cyber hygiene.
• 3 podcasts on various issues related to cybersecurity.
• 3 video tutorials in Macedonian and Albanian on practicing proper cyber hygiene.
• Mentoring for interested civic organizations through the preparation of personalized digital security plans and at least five digital security plans prepared.

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