News from CSOs

We are pleased to inform you that the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), in collaboration with the Metamorphosis Foundation, is organizing an international conference titled “Clicks, Money, and Influence: The Roles and Responsibilities of Online Media in Elections.” The conference will be held on 4-5 March 2025 at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Skopje.
The two-day event will bring together experts and stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen transparency and oversight of paid political advertising during election campaigns, including on online platforms. The sessions will cover various topics, such as paid political advertising, institutional roles, and the evolving conditions of the digital era. Best practices, technological solutions, and regulatory approaches will be shared to promote transparency, accountability, and accuracy in overseeing online platforms.
The conference is organized within the framework of the project “Money, Media, and Elections in North Macedonia,” supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the UK Government.

📢 In today’s discussion with the business sector, we talked about:📈 Business sector practices for productivity and labor force activation, with a special focus on women.⚙️ The needs and necessary regulatory and policy changes to boost productivity and fully utilize the economic potential of women. 🚀🎯 We validated the designed recommendations from our research.
The discussion was organized in collaboration with the British Business Association in North Macedonia and supported by the British Embassy Skopje.
Stay tuned!

Violence against women cannot be eradicated as long as there is an unequal distribution of power and unequal opportunities for all.

On 24th of February, our Association held a roundtable discussion on the importance of gender equality in preventing violence against women and girls. During the discussion, which was organized by the  National network to end violence against women and domestic violence in cooperation with LET Station, were discussed women’s labor rights, rural women and their right to maternity leave, and women’s poverty.

Ana Avramoska Nushkova from the National network to end violence against women and domestic violence spoke about how to organize specialized services for women victims of gender-based violence, and Vesna Shapkoski from LET Station spoke about health care for women from rural areas, highlighting the rights to maternity leave, the rights of women farmers, and limited access to various services.

As part of the Media4EU project, carried out by ALDA, Eurothink, and BIRC, eight thematic forums were organised across North Macedonia’s eight administrative planning regions. These forums served as a collaborative platform for journalists, civil society representatives, and experts from diverse fields to come together and engage in meaningful discussions.
Each forum focused on region-specific topics, such as consumer rights, the free movement of workers, agriculture, ethnic group rights, education policies, transport policies, fisheries, and environmental issues. The events took place in Skopje, Shtip, Strumica, Kumanovo, Bitola, Veles, Ohrid, and Tetovo, all of which are cities in North Macedonia, with renowned experts and trainers facilitating the discussions. These forums offered an excellent opportunity for the exchange of ideas and a more in-depth exploration of local concerns.
Veles Forum: Aligning Transport Policies with European StandardsAt the thematic forum in Veles, participants discussed the importance of transport policies in alignment with European standards, as well as the need for improved communication between the media and local authorities. Throughout the event, ideas were exchanged on how to enhance the flow of information between departments responsible for public relations in local institutions, with the aim of fostering more interactions between journalists and the civil sector.
Strumica Forum: Promoting EU Funding and Agricultural AwarenessLikewise, at the thematic forum in Strumica, participants were engaged in debates and discussions. They advocated for stronger collaboration between media outlets, NGOs, and local authorities to promote EU funding opportunities, raise awareness of agricultural policies, and encourage farmers to actively participate in these initiatives.
Ohrid Forum: Tackling Fisheries and Environmental ChallengesThe Ohrid forum focused on the challenges confronting fisheries and the environment. Speakers examined the current situation of fisheries in North Macedonia and highlighted the pressing need for effective communication regarding EU funding opportunities. Participants also underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation and the role of the media in raising public awareness of these vital issues.
Shtip Forum: Addressing Labour Law and Workers’ RightsIn Shtip, media representatives and civil society organisations gathered to discuss labour law and workers’ rights. The discussions focused on the challenges of labour shortages caused by youth emigration and broader demographic trends across Europe. While North Macedonia’s labour laws largely align with EU standards, the forum highlighted shortcomings in their implementation and enforcement. The conversations resulted in recommendations for new legislation on labour disputes and collective bargaining, drawing on Austrian examples, as well as calls for stronger non-discrimination policies and the ratification of pertinent international conventions.
Bitola Forum: Advancing Education, Culture, and Youth DevelopmentThe forum in Bitola focused on education, culture, and youth development within the framework of North Macedonia’s European integration. Key discussions centred on aligning domestic legislation with EU standards, especially concerning the Erasmus+ programme and cultural initiatives. Participants engaged in meaningful dialogues on educational policies, media communication strategies, and the need for increased investment in the youth and cultural sectors. The forum also acknowledged the changing role of both social and traditional media in public discourse, providing valuable insights for future policy development aimed at aligning the country’s educational and cultural practices with European standards.
Overall, the Media4EU initiative has greatly increased awareness and strengthened capacity within North Macedonia’s media and civil society sectors, offering essential support for the country’s journey towards European integration. Through these thematic forums, the project has effectively facilitated continuous dialogue between civil society, media, and government bodies. The insights and recommendations gathered from these discussions will play a key role in shaping future strategies to promote regional development and encourage collaboration. As the project progresses, it remains dedicated to ensuring that local voices are heard and included in the broader European conversation, working towards a future where regional challenges are addressed through collective action and shared knowledge./ https://www.alda-europe.eu/media4eu-thematic-forums-north-macedonia/

📃 We awarded certificates to 50 employees of Comfy Angel from Prilep, who actively participated in the 🚀 Excellence and Personal Growth Program (PILN). These certificates confirm the skills and knowledge they have acquired to increase productivity and strengthen human capital.
🔢 This program is part of our efforts to apply data and analytical findings directly in the field, within the real sector. ✅️ Our goal is to create meaningful changes that improve the work environment, foster personal development for every employee, and unlock women’s economic potential.
👱‍♀️ The participants’ satisfaction with the program is undeniably high. Their comments speak for themselves: “For the first time, we felt that someone cares about us, the workers.”, “We are grateful for the opportunity to learn so many new things.”, and “Change is truly felt.”
🇬🇧 British Embassy Skopje

The Metamorphosis Foundation’s Initiative to align our legislation with the EU Digital Services Act has been accepted by the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia and included in its 2025 Work Programme.
Aligning the legislation with the Digital Services Act will support North Macedonia’s EU integration goals, improve its digital regulatory framework and provide a safer and more predictable digital environment for citizens and the business community.
This decision acknowledges the Metamorphosis Foundation’s efforts in promoting digital rights and internet security, as well as its commitment to fostering a fair and open online environment. At the same time, it supports the integrity of the consultative mechanism.
The Metamorphosis Foundation has produced an analysis of North Macedonia’s readiness to align national legislation with the EU Digital Services Act, which offers a detailed overview of the existing legal framework, identifies legal gaps and challenges, and gives concrete recommendations that can serve as a guide to effective alignment.

A safe internet for all!

The digital world offers many opportunities but also presents challenges. On Safer Internet Day, we emphasize the importance of digital services and our rights. Watch the video to learn how the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) is making the internet safer for all and discover how its new rules protect us online—from ensuring algorithmic transparency to combating disinformation.

Together we can create a better and safer internet!

“ACRID Network” is a private initiative, independent, non-partisan, non-political, international network, with strong focus, expertise and interest in Science, Innovations, Research and Development and have 4 sectors of members: Private,
Academic,
Public and
Experts.Concept and PurposeACRID means Associated Candidate Countries Research, Innovation and Development Network. ACRID is a private professional network focusing to support and improve the R&D+I in the accession and negotiation process to EU by the Horizon Europe Associated and Candidate Countries as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Moldova, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, including *Kosovo, with opportunities to include other EU programmes Associate countries and third countries.ACRID is focusing on improving the Research, Innovation and Development Capacity of EU Associated Candidate Countries. With aim of promoting EU values and EU financial instruments from the MFF 2021-2027, fully aligning with EU values on EU Green Deal, Digitalization, Education, Innovation, Climate, Health, Environment, Energy and Agriculture.ACRID Network is bringing together, connecting and offering project disseminating activities to more than 42 Mill citizens in EU Associated Countries. This is very important for young population, researchers, project results dissemination, and impact in EU projects, bringing additional value and know-how shearing among citizens and institutions.ACRID Network capacity in numbers until (Q1)2023:ACRID Network – 10 Countries from (EU Candidate AL,BiH,NMK,MNG,RS,TR,ML,GE,UA)ACRID Network – 150 million Market Economy – Population (EU=446,8) = 33,7% of EUACRID Network – 42 mill Citizens, Direct Dissemination of the Project ResultsACRID Network – 947,5 Billion GDPACRID Network – 8,049 euro average GDP per capitaACRID Network – 8,5% average GDP GrowthACRID Network – 141 Billions Gov BudgetACRID Network – 1,410 Mill (1%) for R&D from Gov Budget (2,5%=3,520 Mill euro)ACRID Network – 450 Mill euro Horizon 2020 Projects 2014-2020ACRID Network – 144 ExpertsACRID Network members by the end of 2022 are coming from the cities and regions with population as: (20mill)-Istanbul, (1,5mill)-Canakkale with Balikesir, and (10mill)-Aydin with Izmir and with Konya regions, and (1,2Mill)-Skopje, Ohrid, Negotino, Gevgelija, Kumanovo, Tetovo, then (1Mill)-Tirana, and (1Mill)-Prishtina region, (0,5Mill)-Podgorica, (1,4Mill)-Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Zenica, Tuzla, Mostar, Bihać, (2,4Mill)-Belgrade, Novi Sad, Nis, Vranje.ACRID Network is bringing together project applicants from countries with 172,6 mill people market as total number of citizens. (Turkey 88mill, Macedonia 2,4mill, Albania 3,2mill, Moldova 2,59 Mill, Montenegro 0,8Mill, Bosnia and Herzegovina 3,8mill, Georgia 3,71Mill, Serbia 8.2mill, Israel 9,6Mill, Tunisia 12,3Mill, Ukraine 38Mill and *Kosovo2.2Mill)Total of 150 million Market EconomyACRID Network is connecting with partners from more than 18 EU Member States (EU Member States) partners from: Bulgaria, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Italy, France, Germany, Nederland, Sweden, Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and additional partners from 4 international countries (+USA, Japan, Indonesia & Malaysia)and partners from 15 African Countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, Congo, Seychelles, Botswana, Rwanda and north Africa countries Morocco and Egypt.VisionACRID Network aims to be the best and different R+I&D Network in South East Europe and Associated Candidate Countries with impact in Academic and Private Sector, bringing educational, entrepreneurial and business opportunities for employment, networking and know-how transfer to young population, academic, private and public sector.MissionTo improve the Innovation Capacity, Innovation Index and R&D capacity in the EU Associated Candidate Countries. Networking the best researchers and experts from Academic and Private Sector, collaborating to improve the Education, R+I&D, Entrepreneurship and Startup ecosystems, Investors and Policy makers decisions, in EU Associated Candidate Countries and focus on Western Balkan Region.

Today, the Regional Policy Debate “After the Food Price Crisis: Roadmap for Food Self-Sustainability in the Western Balkans Region – Lessons Learned and the Path Forward” took place.

At the debate, we discussed the dependence on food imports, the need for rural development and climate change adaptation, as well as regional cooperation in the Western Balkan region.