Macedonia and France are looking to strengthen cooperation in social policy and youth affairs following a meeting between Minister of Social Policy, Demography and Youth Gjoko Velkovski and French Ambassador Christophe Le Rigoler. The discussions focused on expanding institutional cooperation, exchanging experience and developing potential joint projects in areas affecting families, young people and citizens who rely on social protection. Both sides expressed interest in turning existing relations into more structured cooperation.
A central topic was the possibility of renewing institutional links between Macedonia’s social policy authorities and relevant French institutions. The two sides discussed creating a formal framework that could allow government institutions to cooperate more systematically and develop joint initiatives. Such arrangements could give officials and professionals opportunities to exchange experience and examine approaches used in both countries.
Social security cooperation was another important part of the talks. The participants discussed ways to make it easier for citizens to exercise their social security rights in both countries and strengthen protections for people with connections to both Macedonia and France. Although the meeting did not announce a specific new agreement, the issue could become an important area for future institutional cooperation.
The discussions also covered support for young people and the exchange of experience in addressing family violence. These issues are increasingly connected to wider social policy questions, including prevention, access to support services and creating conditions in which young people can remain active and socially included. Macedonia’s Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth has previously identified youth policy, social protection and protection from violence as important areas for cooperation with international partners.
Youth Policy and Social Protection Take Center Stage
The meeting follows earlier contacts between the ministry and the French Embassy. In October 2024, French Ambassador Christophe Le Rigoler met with the ministry’s leadership to discuss areas under its responsibility, with particular attention to the newly established demographic and youth sectors. At the time, the two sides also discussed French support for youth policies, gender equality and efforts to combat violence.
Youth policy has become an increasingly important part of Macedonia’s social agenda as the country faces demographic pressures and the challenge of retaining younger generations. Government officials have repeatedly emphasized the need for policies that give young people greater opportunities for development and participation. Recent initiatives have included cooperation with organizations such as the Regional Youth Cooperation Office and GIZ on program designed to strengthen young people’s skills, social inclusion and participation.
The issue is particularly relevant because demographic change and migration can have long term effects on communities and public services. Macedonia has been working to strengthen policies addressing families, children, young people and vulnerable groups, while international cooperation can provide access to additional experience and models from other European countries. The ministry has also previously identified the departure of young people as a major challenge for local communities and called for stronger conditions for their development at home.
France has its own extensive social policy and youth programmes that could provide potential areas for knowledge exchange. Recent French initiatives have included program using sport and community activities to support vulnerable young people and improve social inclusion. These approaches illustrate how youth policy can extend beyond education and employment to include participation, social support and community development.
Future Cooperation Could Bring Practical Benefits
Macedonia has also recently expanded cooperation with other international partners in the social services sector. In September, Velkovski signed a memorandum with Türkiye covering cooperation in social services, including support for families, women, children, people with disabilities and older people. The agreement also provides for the exchange of knowledge, experience and good practices, demonstrating a broader effort by the ministry to build international partnerships around social protection.
Another major area of attention is support for children and families. A UNICEF supported analysis presented in June found that more than 79,000 children aged zero to six in Macedonia were not enrolled in any form of early childhood education and care. The analysis said the country would need roughly 19,000 additional places to reach its national target of 65% enrolment by 2032, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing social and family policy.
The discussion with the French ambassador comes at a time when Macedonia is seeking to strengthen several parts of its social policy system simultaneously. Formal cooperation with French institutions could provide opportunities for training, institutional exchanges and joint projects, particularly if the discussions develop into concrete agreements. For citizens, the potential benefit would ultimately depend on whether such cooperation produces practical improvements in access to services and protection of social rights.
The meeting also fits into the broader relationship between Macedonia and France, which extends beyond social policy. French officials have continued to support reforms connected with European integration, while cooperation between the two countries has increasingly included areas such as youth development, social inclusion and institutional reform.
The latest meeting does not by itself create a new program or agreement, but it establishes several areas where future cooperation could be developed. Social security rights, family violence prevention, youth support and institutional exchanges all have the potential to become practical projects if the two governments follow through on the proposals discussed.
Ultimately, the meeting between Velkovski and Le Rigoler reflects an effort to move Macedonia-France cooperation in social policy from general diplomatic relations toward more concrete institutional partnerships. With demographic challenges, youth migration and the need for stronger social services remaining important issues for Macedonia, cooperation with European partners such as France could provide useful experience and new opportunities. The next step will be turning the discussions into formal frameworks and projects that deliver measurable benefits for citizens.
