Skopje, 28 May 2025 (MIA) – The 2025 Operational Employment Plan is valued at €40 million and covers 16,000 unemployed persons, 65 percent of whom are expected to be young people under the age of 29, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said at the press conference on Wednesday.

Mickoski stated that the Operational Plan for Active Employment Programmes and Measures and Labour Market Services, was adopted at the latest government session.

“One of the main priorities of this government is to improve citizens’ well-being, reduce unemployment and develop measures aimed at balanced and effective labour market. That is why, at the latest government session, we adopted an Operational Employment Plan worth €40 million, which will cover over 16,000 our fellow citizens – 12,537 through active employment measures and 3,520 through employment services. This plan addresses two main points: the first is direct support for youth startup businesses, and the second is an organized approach to wildfire prevention, which includes hiring 400 firefighters who will be available to municipalities in need. Additionally, 600 unemployed individuals will be engaged in public works and municipal projects related to local infrastructure and environmental protection,” Mickoski said.

He stated that strong youth participation is expected, since the measures were designed to target this specific category of citizens.

According to Mickoski, the 2025 Operational Plan outlines employment programs, measures, and labour market services aimed at creating new jobs and boosting employment, especially for young people, long-term unemployed individuals, and those receiving minimum social assistance.

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