Estdev

North Macedonia has been one of the most progressive creators of e-government solutions among the Western Balkan countries. However, due to the complex political situation, initiative for digital development has waned. Estonia has been a development cooperation partner to North Macedonia since 2000.

Cooperation projects have been aimed at strengthening healthcare and developing e-governance, but when the new government took office in August 2020, the topic of e-governance was raised again, and Estonia’s experience as an advocate of e-governance is of interest to the country’s leaders. According to the existing strategy, North Macedonia could develop a long-term cooperation and mentorship model with Estonia, the focus of which would be the exchange of experiences, developing new knowledge in the field of e-government, and making Estonian experts and knowledge available.

Since beginning a partnership with North Macedonia in 2000, Estonia has supported the country with investments of nearly half a million euros. During this period, 46 projects have been implemented in North Macedonia.

Global Sustainable Development Goals in North Macedonia

Priority Areas of Estonian Development Cooperation in North Macedonia

• Digital development and modernisation – developing e-services
• Democracy and good governance – reducing the costs of citizens in communicating with government agencies, improving the administrative efficiency of the government, increasing the transparency of government agencies, increasing trust in the government, and contributing to the fight against corruption.
• Education – making education more accessible and raising the overall quality of education, including vocational education, based on Estonian experience.
• Entrepreneurship – supporting the development and innovation of small businesses, including increasing the competitiveness of women and young people in the labor market.

Relevant Documents

• Estonian Foreign Policy Development Plan 2030
• Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Program 2022-2025 (Estonian language only)
• Macedonian ICT Sector

Ongoing Projects in North-Macedonia