The European Union (EU) and the Council of Europe have emphasised the importance of the joint programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” in advancing North Macedonia’s reform agenda. This initiative supports the country’s alignment with European standards in key areas, including strengthening justice, tackling corruption and discrimination, and promoting freedom of expression.
This conclusion was highlighted at the programme’s second Beneficiary Steering Committee meeting held today in Skopje, which brought together representatives from both the EU and the Council of Europe alongside local partners and beneficiaries. During the meeting, participants underscored the critical role of the programme in supporting North Macedonia’s priorities in the EU enlargement process—namely human rights protection, the rule of law, and democracy. It was noted that significant progress and tangible results have been achieved through tailored technical assistance, expertise, and capacity-building efforts directed at public authorities and civil society organisations.
In his opening remarks Ambassador Kire Ilioski – Director for Multilateral Relations and Security Co-operation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the commitment to continue to implement the reforms in the justice system and other key areas and overcome challenges with the continuous support of the programme. “Together we will continue working towards a successful implementation of these reforms and achieving positive results that will have positive effects for all our citizens”, stressed Ambassador Ilioski.
Marie-Madeleine Kanellopoulou – Head of Operations 1 in the Delegation of the European Union to North Macedonia emphasised the importance of co-operation and co-ordination to bring forward the reforms.
“We need to keep this co-operation between all our actors and build good inter-institutional co-operation and co-ordination because this is the key to success and sustainability of the results”, stated Kanellopoulou.
Schnutz Dürr, Head of Programming Department, Directorate of Programme Co-ordination, Council of Europe in his address stated that: “The Council of Europe, together with the European Union and in partnership with the beneficiaries, reiterates its dedication to the continuous provision of relevant assistance under the Horizontal Facility in addressing the recommendations of the Council of Europe monitoring and advisory bodies, and with the aim to advance North Macedonia’s reform agenda and EU accession negotiations.”
Participants also commended the ongoing support from the EU and the Council of Europe in promoting sustainability-focused reforms and addressing key recommendations from Council of Europe monitoring bodies.
Key achievements highlighted:
- Protection of prisoners’ rights
The External Oversight Mechanism (EOM) developed with the support of the programme is now functional including three representatives from the civil society elected by Parliament. To strengthen this mechanism, capacity-building on investigating police ill-treatment was provided. In addition, key contribution was offered in the process of amending the Law on the Execution of Sanctions which aims to improve governance within the penitentiary system.
- Access to justice
The free legal aid system in North Macedonia was further enhanced by delivering the software for appointing ex-officio lawyers. The efficiency, transparency, and workflow for the Bar Association was improved. The Parliament also adopted important amendments to the Law on Free Legal Aid, reflecting key recommendations as provided by the programme.
- Fighting corruption
The adoption of a new law on non-conviction based property confiscation with key recommendations provided by the Council of Europe, ensured better alignment with European standards while enhancing asset recovery. In addition, in collaboration with civil society and the private sector, the programme has been promoting whistleblower protection reforms.
- Combatting discrimination
To ensure a better response on hate speech and hate crimes, the programme contributed to increase the knowledge and awareness for lawyers and legal professionals on legal protection against hate speech and hate crimes. In addition, significant support was provided to the Skopje Pride, raising awareness about countering hate speech towards LGBTI persons and challenging societal stereotypes.
- Tackling human trafficking
A feasibility study supported by the programme identified the need for a shelter for human trafficking victims, leading to government allocation of resources for its establishment. The programme provided training and expertise to healthcare professionals, inspectors, police, social workers, and civil society organisations to identify and support trafficking victims. Specialised training was also provided for lawyers to aid trafficking victims and asylum seekers in line with European good practices.
- Advancing freedom of expression and freedom of the media
With the initiative of the programme, North Macedonia’s Parliament ratified the Tromsø Convention on access to official documents, an important step forward to ensure fair procedures for document requests. Important progress was made in fighting against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), emphasising the importance of protecting journalistic integrity. Important legal amendments to align with the Council of Europe’s Recommendation on countering SLAPPs were shared with the authorities.
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The joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” (Horizontal Facility III) is a co-operation initiative, running from 2023 until 2026. It enables the Beneficiaries from the Western Balkans and Türkiye to meet their reform agendas in the fields of human rights, rule of law and democracy and to comply with European standards. In its third phase of the implementation, the European Union and the Council of Europe have allocated almost €4,8 million to six bilateral actions in North Macedonia.
For further information, please contact:
Besnik Baka, tel. +355692178430
Dusan Vojnović, tel. +33 3 90 21 56 99
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