Skopje, 11 May 2026 (MIA) — Minister of Economy and Labor Besar Durmishi stressed the need for regional cooperation and labor reforms during a Berlin Process ministerial meeting held earlier Monday in Berlin, according to an official press release.

Speaking at a panel on resilient labor markets, Durmishi said North Macedonia remained committed to implementing reforms to align its workforce policies with EU standards and create a stronger, more flexible and more competitive labor market.

The economy minister pointed to several major challenges for the country, including a shortage of qualified workers; a mismatch between workers' skills and employer needs; young people leaving the country; and the informal economy.

"Although many are looking for work, companies cannot find people with the right skills," Durmishi said. He said the education system needed to be better aligned with the private sector to boost the economy.

He said the government had introduced measures to increase employment, offering internships and entreneurship support. 

According to Durmishi, more than 2,500 grants were awarded last year to help citizens start businesses. The government has also allocated approximately EUR 40 million to help over 10,000 unemployed people this year.

The minister also discussed the EU’s Growth Plan and the Common Regional Market. He said the country was helping workers access the regional job market by recognizing diplomas and easing work permit procedures.

"The Berlin Process remains an important mechanism for strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating the European integration of the Western Balkans, and North Macedonia remains an active and committed partner in this process," Durmishi said. mr/