North Macedonia investigation probes state funding for NGOs

An investigation by ‘360 degrees’ has raised questions regarding the distribution of approximately 290,000 euros in state funds by the Ministry for Communities and Relations in North Macedonia. The funds, intended for the promotion of interethnic relations, were awarded to 36 organizations.

While the majority of recipients are based in Skopje, a significant number of projects are concentrated in Kumanovo, which received five projects. Notably, Kumanovo is the hometown of Ivan Stoilkovski, the former head of the ministry during the distribution process. Stoilkovski has denied influencing the selection, stating he only signed off on the highest-ranked projects.

The investigation, conducted using the Law on Free Access to Public Information, examined the ties between supported organizations and current or former government officials, as well as the specific activities planned with the public money, ranging from language workshops to anti-corruption podcasts.