Macedonian Government Announces Expanded Youth Programs and Education Funding

The VMRO‑DPMNE‑led government in North Macedonia said the opposition SDSM is attempting to create panic over its recent single‑digit rating. It highlighted concrete measures for young people, launching a “Months of Internship” programme in August and September that will place students directly in municipal work in partnership with state universities.

The administration announced a rise in the science budget from 380 million denars in 2024 to 773 million denars by 2026, and an increase in the higher‑education budget from under 3 billion denars in 2022 to 8 billion denars in 2026. Additional supports include 55,000 vouchers for electronic devices (€250 each), €10,000 grants for start‑up businesses, €10,000 grants for young farmers, and an expanded subsidised student‑meal scheme. A total of €70 million is being invested in educational infrastructure, split equally between the Ministry of Education and the government for more than 90 projects.