# North Macedonia student welfare and school supply measures > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-student-welfare-measures > Updated: 2026-09-05T13:44:46.000Z. Sources: 44. Developments: 6. The North Macedonian government has implemented several measures to alleviate financial pressures on families and students for the 2026/2027 academic year. To combat inflation, the government mandated a ‘school basket’ initiative. Under this measure, wholesalers must lower prices by at least 10%, while retailers are required to ensure a minimum price reduction of 15% on essential items—such as backpacks, notebooks, and pens—compared to prices held on June 1. To allow for variety, retailers may compose their own product bundles based on brand and quality, but they must transparently display both the discounted price and the original June 1 price. Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska described the reduction as ‘significant relief for parents.’ To enforce these regulations, the State Market Inspectorate launched nationwide field inspections, effective from August 25 through September 30, 2026. By early September, Deputy Minister of Economy and Labor Marjan Risteski reported that inspectors were monitoring approximately 600 retail locations. While some initial labeling errors were identified, Risteski noted they have since been corrected. Government estimates suggest the measure could allow families to save between 500 and 1,500 denars per child, with potential savings reaching up to 3,000 denars for families with two children. Minister of Economy and Labor Besar Durmishi noted that while market prices remain relatively stable, rising fuel costs pose a risk to transport expenses. To prevent ‘unjustified profit seeking,’ inspectors are monitoring gross profit margins. Violations may result in fines between 500 and 10,000 euros and potential 15-day temporary bans on business activities. Meanwhile, the government continues to monitor inflation, which stood at an annual rate of 2.3 percent in July, alongside a 4.3 percent GDP growth in the second quarter of 2026. ## Claims - The State Market Inspectorate is conducting field inspections to ensure compliance with government price reduction mandates. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Wholesale prices for school supplies must be reduced by at least 10 percent. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Retail prices for school supplies must be reduced by at least 15 percent. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The price reduction mandate is effective from August 25, 2026, until September 30, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Retailers must label products with the phrase ‘помалку трошоци, повеќе за тебе’ (less costs, more for you). (corroborated by 3 sources) - Retailers must display both the previous and the new reduced sale prices. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Fines for non-compliance range from 500 to 10,000 euros. (single source) - Citizens can report irregularities via the number 191 or the official website. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: North Macedonia inspectors monitor 600 sites for school supply price controls North Macedonia's Market Inspectorate is monitoring 600 locations to enforce the ‘School Basket’ measure, aiming to reduce school supply prices by up to 15 percent for families. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-inspectors-monitor-600-sites-for-school-supply-price-controls ### 2026-08-27: North Macedonia inspectors monitor school supply price reductions North Macedonian inspectors are monitoring retailers to ensure mandatory price cuts on school supplies. Officials also warn that rising fuel costs may impact future market prices and transport costs. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-inspectors-monitor-school-supply-price-reductions ### 2026-08-25: North Macedonia Education Minister announces 15% school basket reduction Education Minister Vesna Janevska announced a 15% reduction in the school basket to assist parents and addressed student meal costs and mismanagement in student dormitories. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-education-minister-announces-15-school-basket-reduction ### 2026-08-25: North Macedonia mandates price cuts for school supplies The North Macedonian government has mandated a minimum 15% price reduction on school supplies for retailers to support families ahead of the new school year. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-mandates-price-cuts-for-school-supplies ### 2026-08-24: North Macedonia opens applications for subsidized student meals North Macedonia's Ministry of Education and Science has opened applications for subsidized student meals for the 2026/2027 academic year, with a deadline of August 31, 2026. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-ministry-opens-subsidized-student-meal-applications ### 2026-08-19: North Macedonia government to decide on school supply discounts The North Macedonian government will decide Tuesday on a ‘school basket’ measure to provide up to 15% discounts on school supplies to help families manage rising costs. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-proposes-school-supply-discounts --- Cite as: North Macedonia student welfare and school supply measures. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-student-welfare-measures