Skopje’s European Capital of Culture 2028 law withdrawn after controversy

North Macedonian Prime Minister Christian Mickoski ordered the withdrawal of the draft law that would have established a special foundation to implement the “Skopje – European Capital of Culture 2028” project. Mickoski said the move was intended to eliminate any doubt about the transparency of the process and announced that the law will now be subject to a public debate.

Opposition parties and civil‑society groups criticised the proposal, arguing that it would bypass public‑procurement rules and allow unchecked spending of public funds through a new foundation. They highlighted that the so‑called “Bid Book” is merely a project application, not a legal instrument authorising special procurement exemptions. The controversy has delayed preparations for the cultural events scheduled for 2027‑2029 and raised questions about the government’s handling of the European Capital of Culture title.

Mickoski maintained that the draft was drafted in line with EU practice, but conceded that the public outcry required the law to be pulled and reconsidered in a transparent forum.