Introduction
In mid-March, North Macedonia's Prime Minister publicly threatened to organise street protests demanding the resignation of five members of the Judicial Council. This followed Parliament's adoption of no-confidence motions against Judicial Council members Vesna Dameva, Pavlina Crvenkovska, Milazim Mustafa, Tanja Chacharova Ilievska and Selim Ademi, accusing them of jeopardising the independence, professionalism, and reputation of the judiciary, which contributed to declining public trust. Although the motions passed, the law stipulates that members themselves decide whether to resign, and some, including Chacharova Ilievska, refused to step down, citing conscientious service and alleging political motivations behind the motions. The opposition and some civil society actors criticised the government’s approach, warning that such pressure on judicial bodies undermines judicial independence and the rule of law.
On 16th March 2025, a fire at a nightclub in Kochani that broke out during a concert left at least 59 people dead and scores injured, mostly teenagers and young adults. It soon became clear that the tragedy was the result of corruption and mismanagement. Although the nightclub was officially licensed to accommodate 250 patrons, it reportedly held over 1,500 people on the night of the fire. The venue lacked adequate fire exits; reports indicated that it had only one usable exit, while a secondary one was padlocked from the outside. Other severe safety violations also proved fatal, including the use of indoor pyrotechnics that ignited flammable ceiling materials, causing the fire to spread rapidly. These breaches were reportedly known and tolerated due to corruption and bribery within the institutions responsible for enforcement.
The disaster sparked protests in Kochani and Skopje demanding justice and accountability. The Public Prosecutor’s Office coordinated efforts across multiple cities, gathering extensive evidence. Investigations identified 46 suspects accused of serious crimes against public safety and exposed corrupt practices linked to the illegal issuance of licences. Among the suspects were nightclub owners, police officers, former Ministry of Economy officials, and local politicians. Fourteen police officers from Shtip and Kochani were arrested for improperly approving permits, while three former mayors of Kochani faced charges for failing to prevent the nightclub’s illegal operation. To ensure an impartial inquiry, local police investigators were replaced. The government subsequently shut down dozens of entertainment venues after inspections revealed that many were operating without valid licences.
Freedom of Association
Civil society demands end to impunity
In March 2025, the Platform of Civil Society Organisations for the Fight Against Corruption in North Macedonia demanded an end to impunity, selective justice, and superficial compliance, which have led to tragedies such as the fire in Kochani and the fatal accidents in Laskartsi and Tetovo in previous years. The Platform called for a full, impartial investigation and systemic reforms, including stronger sanctions, whistleblower protection, thorough field inspections, and accountability for inspectors and officials who issue licences. The Platform emphasised the need for independent, well-equipped inspection bodies and insisted that legislative changes must not excuse past failures. It also demanded an end to pressure on civil society and the media, and called for the state to recognise them as crucial partners.
Public trust in civil society declines
A 2024 civil society survey on public trust in civil society organisations in North Macedonia revealed a decline in confidence, with the overall trust index falling to 42.9 %, marking a 8.2 %age point drop since 2021. Despite this decrease, many citizens continue to acknowledge the important role that civil society plays in addressing social issues and providing platforms for public participation. However, the results show significant doubts remain about the independence, transparency, and effectiveness of these organisations.
Rights groups criticise appointment to agency overseeing EU mobility funds
In April 2025, Petar Bogojevski, leader of the Macedonian Concept party and former advisor to Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, was appointed director of North Macedonia’s National Agency for European Educational Programs and Mobility (Erasmus+), with his term set to begin on 15th May 2025. His appointment sparked controversy due to his history of offensive rhetoric and hate speech targeting Macedonians, Albanians, women, people living with HIV, and political opponents. Bogojevski frequently used inflammatory language on social media and had faced previous criminal charges and civil complaints for hate speech.
The CSO coalition Network for Protection Against Discrimination demanded the withdrawal of his appointment, stating that his conduct violated the Erasmus+ principles of inclusion and diversity. The European Commission also expressed concerns and sought clarifications from the Ministry of Education.
Despite public outcry and criticism from civil society and parts of the government, including reports linking him to corrupt practices, Bogojevski accepted the role, emphasising the importance of his work managing EU educational funds.
Civil society survey shows stable support for EU integration
Based on the 2025 survey results presented by the Institute for Democracy “Societas Civilis” (IDSCS), public support for North Macedonia’s EU integration remained stable, with 62 % of citizens backing EU membership aspirations, marking a slight increase from the previous year. However, only 20% supported making the necessary constitutional changes to advance the process. Support varied significantly by ethnicity: 82% of Albanians favored EU integration, compared to 56% of Macedonians. One-third of respondents viewed the negotiation process mainly as alignment with EU laws and standards, emphasising institutional and legal reform. The EU continued to be seen as the country’s largest economic partner (33%) and donor (40%), with its influence increasing (37% in 2024 compared to 19 % in 2023), while U.S. influence declined. The EU was seen as the most important ally (39%) ahead of the U.S. (19%).
CSOs focus on environmental protection
In 2025, seven civil society organisations in North Macedonia received grants to implement environmental protection activities as part of the project “Good Governance in the Environment of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans”, financially supported by the European Union and implemented by the Macedonian Young Lawyers’ Association. From a total of 41 applications evaluated by the Selection Committee, the awarded projects included diverse goals such as reducing air pollution in Bitola, enhancing local cooperation for waste management in Kochani, improving municipal efficiency in natural resource protection in Macedonski Brod, supporting sustainable financing models for protected areas, raising awareness about recycling in Gevgelija, increasing citizen participation and transparency in Prilep, and strengthening civil monitoring of water management in Skopje.
Freedom of Peaceful Assembly
Smear campaign against protest organisers
Following the devastating fire that broke out at the Pulse nightclub in Kochani on 16th March 2025, killing at least 59 people and injuring more than 150 others, North Macedonia witnessed a wave of public grief that soon turned into protests demanding justice and accountability. The tragedy, which primarily claimed the lives of young people, provoked widespread anger over reported safety violations, alleged negligence by authorities, and a lack of effective oversight.
In the days that followed, students and citizens organised protests in Kochani and other towns, expressing frustration at institutional failures and the government’s delayed, vague response. As mobilisation gained momentum, reports emerged that some students were pressured not to attend. Several claimed they faced intimidation from school officials, including threats of disciplinary action or subtle discouragement from participating. Although school principals denied exerting such pressure, these accounts raised concerns about the freedom of assembly and the right to protest.
As soon as the demonstrations began, coordinated smear campaigns were launched against activists and student organisers, aiming to delegitimise the protests and discredit those demanding accountability after the Kochani tragedy. Pro-government media outlets and social media users circulated claims that the protests were being orchestrated from abroad, citing a video of a Serbian activist allegedly offering advice on how to “exploit” the Kochani case—despite no credible evidence linking her to the local organisers.
Videos also circulated on social media accusing activists behind the anonymous group Who’s Next—which began organising protests calling for institutional accountability and systemic change following the death of Frosina Kulakova (see previous Monitor update)—of being linked to George Soros and attempting to stage a “colour revolution” in North Macedonia. Critics accused them of exploiting tragedies such as the Kochani fire for political gain and attempted to discredit them by linking them to left-leaning and LGBTQI+ civil society organisations.
Who’s Next has consistently denied these claims, stressing its independence as a broad civic initiative composed of professionals, economists, lawyers, doctors, and others without political affiliations or external funding. The group emphasises that its goal is to demand transparent investigations and systemic reforms to ensure justice and accountability, rejecting any allegations of foreign influence or political manipulation.
Trade unions threaten strikes
The trade union scene in North Macedonia in early 2025 was marked by conflict, amid efforts to raise the minimum wage. The largest union, Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM), demanded the minimum wage be increased to 30,000 denars (around 480 EUR), instead of the government's planned 24,300 denars (around 390 EUR). Political accusations erupted, with the ruling VMRO-DPMNE party accusing SSM of aligning with opposition parties, while SSM complained of political interference and pressure to accept a lower increase. The Confederation of Free Trade Unions also sought inclusion in negotiations after years of exclusion. SSM warned of protests and strikes in April and May if their demands were ignored.
Freedom of Expression
Strengthening protection of journalists reporting on protests
In March 2025, following the tragic fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kochani that killed at least 15 people and sparked a wave of public protests, the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (ZNM) and the Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM) introduced a newly adopted safety protocol and ethical guidelines aimed at strengthening the protection of journalists reporting from high-risk environments. The initiative was directly motivated by the challenges media workers faced while covering the aftermath of the Kochani tragedy, including protests and emotionally charged public gatherings, where journalists were exposed to increased risks of intimidation, obstruction, and physical harm. The protocol, developed in consultation with journalists and editors, provides detailed instructions on preparation before assignments, use of protective equipment, situational awareness, and ethical responsibilities during crisis reporting. ZNM and SSNM also launched a public outreach campaign on social media to raise awareness and promote implementation of the protocol across newsrooms.
2025 reports shows decline in media freedom
The 2025 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index found that media freedom in North Macedonia deteriorated compared to previous years. The country faced challenges from increasing disinformation, declining public trust in the media, and interference that undermined journalistic independence. RSF noted the fragile media market and economic pressures that negatively affected editorial freedom. Political and societal pressures created a restrictive environment for journalists and independent media outlets. These developments reflected a broader regional trend of eroding media freedoms in the Western Balkans, where market fragility, concentrated media ownership, and political influence have increasingly constrained free expression and the public’s access to unbiased information.
A 2025 report by the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) highlighted a trend of increasing surveillance and censorship in the Western Balkans. Although North Macedonia’s legal framework aligns with EU standards, weak implementation and political interference have allowed increased use of digital surveillance tools such as biometric monitoring and facial recognition, often without adequate legal safeguards or transparency. Journalists, human rights defenders, and activists in North Macedonia have faced growing digital harassment, censorship, and legal pressures. The report underscores serious challenges to freedom of expression and democratic accountability, revealing a deepening crisis despite formal protections.