Statement

With 30 years of experience on-the-ground in North Macedonia, the Open Society Foundations has announced that it is changing the way it works in the country as part of a wider global reorganization.

Since early 2021, Open Society has been engaged in a broad transformation to assume a greater regional focus and strengthen our impact. This global transformation includes a review of our more than 20 national foundations around the world.

Open Society’s commitment to North Macedonia and the Western Balkans remains strong. Since 1992, we have given over $130 million to support North Macedonia’s social and economic stability, and democratic development. When the Foundation Open Society–Macedonia began its work Greece and Serbia were blockading Macedonia’s borders, and there were questions about whether the country would survive as an independent state. The new foundation responded by providing vital support, including essential medical supplies, fuel for schools, and export assistance for farmers. Since then, the foundation has worked to help North Macedonia prepare for EU membership, support the development of a strong civil society, promote the rule of law and government accountability, empower Roma and other marginalized groups, and support the modernization and reform in health care and education.

For more about Open Society’s work in the country please view: OSF in North Macedonia Fact Sheet, 30 Years Open Society & Its Friends and 25 Years of Dedication.

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