The Economic Chamber of North Macedonia hosted the presentation of the measure "Support for Job Creation", specifically the sub-measure "Employment and Growth of Legal Entities", which forms part of the 2026 Operational Employment Plan.

The opportunities offered under the measure were presented by the Deputy Minister of Economy and Labor, Marjan Risteski, who introduced the participants to the financial support available for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), social enterprises, and civil society organizations for the creation of new jobs.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the country's three chambers of commerce, led by Antoni Peshev, Executive Director of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, Nuhi Aliu, President of the Economic Chamber of North-West Macedonia, and Goran Gjorgjievski, President of the Macedonian Chambers of Commerce.

As Deputy Minister Risteski explained, the primary objective of the measure is to provide financial support for the creation of new jobs, targeting a total of 1,385 beneficiaries. A total of MKD 332.65 million (approximately EUR 5.4 million) has been allocated for its implementation.

"I encourage all eligible micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, social enterprises and civil society organizations to apply for this measure. The main objective of the Operational Employment Plan is not only to create new jobs but also to retain people in the country. We expect an implementation rate of 93 percent," said Risteski.

Representatives of the chambers of commerce welcomed the measure, noting that support for job creation is particularly important at a time when companies are facing a severe labor shortage. Following the meeting, Natasha Janevska, Adviser in the Office of the President of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, stated that the measure is the result of the Chamber's long-standing efforts to promote policies that directly address the needs of the business community.

"Over the past several years, the Chamber has continuously highlighted the serious labor shortages faced by companies and advocated for measures that would help businesses recruit the workforce they need and support their growth and development. Unlike previous measures, which were primarily focused on unemployed individuals, we initiated this financial support scheme aimed directly at companies, enabling them to fill vacant positions more easily and create new jobs. In addition, the analyses we conduct together with companies regarding in-demand skills serve as the basis for designing measures within the Operational Employment Plan in line with business needs. We believe that this financial support will help reduce labor shortages, retain workers and strengthen the competitiveness of Macedonian companies," Janevska emphasized.

Under the sub-measure, a single company may receive financial support for the employment of up to five persons, amounting to between MKD 800,000 and MKD 1,250,000, depending on the number of approved recruitments and the category of unemployed persons employed.

*        MKD 250,000 for persons up to 29 years of age;

*        MKD 220,000 for beneficiaries of guaranteed minimum assistance, Roma, persons with disabilities, women, the long-term unemployed, and Roma women with completed secondary or higher education;

*        MKD 160,000 for unemployed persons over the age of 29.

A new feature of this measure is the additional incentive for employing returnees. Employers hiring returnees will receive 10% higher financial support for each such employee, in accordance with the relevant beneficiary category.

Employers benefiting from the measure are required to employ the recruited persons on permanent full-time contracts and retain them in employment for at least: 15 months for employees up to 29 years of age; 12 months for members of the priority target groups; and 9 months for all other employees over the age of 29.

Interested employers may submit applications until 24 July 2026 at the Employment Service Centers, on working days between 08:00 and 14:00. Additional information is available at the Employment Service Centers’ employment clubs, by calling 02 3111 850, or on the website of the Employment Service Agency.