WESTERN BALKANS

NORTH MACEDONIA

North Macedonia became a GCERF partner country in 2020. Since then, GCERF has supported rehabilitation and reintegration (R&R) efforts for returnees from foreign conflict zones while strengthening community resilience to violent extremism. Working with local partners, GCERF provides psycho-social support, counselling, and tailored case management to promote recovery, trust-building, and social reintegration. At the same time, its programmes address broader risks linked to ethno-nationalism and radicalisation, helping foster long-term community cohesion and resilience.

Background & Context

Understanding Violent
Extremism in North Macedonia

The background of violent extremism (VE) in North Macedonia is shaped by the country’s history of ethnic tensions, political instability, and social divisions following the 2001 conflict. These dynamics, combined with exposure to extremist ideologies, have contributed to the rise of ethno-nationalism, religiously motivated extremism, and violent right-wing extremism.

North Macedonia has also faced challenges linked to the return of citizens from foreign conflict zones, particularly Syria and Iraq, making rehabilitation and reintegration (R&R) an important component of its response to violent extremism. Returnees often face stigma, trauma, and social exclusion, increasing their vulnerability during the reintegration process.

These challenges are further compounded by broader structural factors, including unemployment, limited social opportunities, political polarisation, and intercommunal mistrust. In addition, the growing influence of online platforms and extremist narratives has increased the risk of radicalisation, particularly among vulnerable individuals and young people.

GCERF'S UNIQUE INVESTMENT MODEL

Country
Support Mechanism

GCERF pioneers a unique model of investment designed to promote a whole-of-society approach and ensure the sustainability of our programmes. Under this model, in each partner country, we support national governments in establishing a steering committee called the Country Support Mechanism (CSM).

GCERF also adopts a comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration (R&R) approach, which includes tailored case management to support trauma recovery. This encompasses psychological, psychiatric, medical, educational, economic, and social assessments. The GCERF grantees, the Macedonian Centre for International Cooperation (MCIC), the Macedonian Civic Education Center (MCEC) play an active role in advancing R&R efforts in North Macedonia.

Key Drivers of Violent Extremism

Inter-ethnic tensions and polarisation

Inter-ethnic tensions and polarisation can drive violent extremism by deepening social divides and weakening trust between communities. This creates grievances and “us versus them” narratives that extremist actors can exploit to justify violence and recruitment.

Political instability and reconciliation Issues

Political instability and unresolved reconciliation issues can contribute to violent extremism by weakening trust in institutions and sustaining historical grievances between communities. This creates fertile ground for polarisation and allows extremist narratives to exploit unresolved tensions and dissatisfaction.

Limited employment opportunities and social exclusion

Limited employment opportunities and social exclusion can drive violent extremism by increasing feelings of frustration, marginalization, and lack of future prospects, particularly among youth. These conditions can make individuals more vulnerable to extremist narratives that offer identity, purpose, or belonging.

Results at a Glance

Key Results

Total amount invested (USD)

$ 0 M

Grants

0

Civil society organisations

0

Women and children returning from Iraq and Syria received counselling and psychosocial support

0

Teachers and school professionals trained on PVE and R&R

0 +

Frontline workers trained to facilitate effective rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees

0 +

Young people at-risk of radicalisation and community members engaged through initiatives aimed at increasing awareness on preventing violent extremism

0 +

Investment & grant figures updated May 2026 · Programme results updated December 2025

Our Approach

Investment Strategy
in North Macedonia

Support the rehabilitation and reintegration (R&R) of people returning from Northeast Syria and Iraq.

Enhance cooperation among institutions and NGOs to counteract far-right ideologies and ethno-nationalist elements.

Empower local communities and organisations through strengthening their capacities to take ownership of and sustain R&R and P/CVE programmes.

Our IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS

Active Grants
in North Macedonia

Current Grants 2 Active

01 Macedonian Center for International Cooperation

▼

Grant Overview

Amount

USD 400,000

Duration

Oct 2025 – Sep 2027

Implementing Partners

Principal Recipient

Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC)

Sub-Recipients

Centre for Common Ground (CCG)

Open Gate – La Strada (La Strada)

Programme Objectives

1

Strengthen national and local capacities for the sustainable prevention of violent extremism (PVE).

2

The effective rehabilitation and reintegration (R&R) of returnees and their families.

3

Promote inclusive coordination and collaboration among public institutions, civil society, and community stakeholders to enhance resilience in at-risk communities.

Areas of Implementation

Skopje Polog The Northeast and the Southwest regions

02 Macedonian Civic Education Center

▼

Grant Overview

Amount

USD 400,000

Duration

Oct 2025 – Sep 2027

Implementing Partners

Principal Recipient

Macedonian Civic Education Center (MCEC)

Sub-Recipients

Centre for Balkan Cooperation (LOJA)

Center for Intercultural Dialogue (CID)

Programme Objectives

1

Increase youth resilience and public awareness by launching tailored social media campaigns that promote civic values and interethnic cohesion.

2

Early identification and engagement of at-risk groups—including youth involved in sports fan clubs, marginalized ethnic communities, and religious associations.

3

The programme strengthens local prevention infrastructure by enhancing the capacity of youth centers, CSOs, and school staff to act as frontline responders, and ensures that prevention efforts are participatory, inclusive, and sustainable.

Areas of Implementation

Skopje (and its region, particularly Centar, Aerodrom and Butel) Tetovo (and the Polog region) Kumanovo (and the north-eastern region) Struga (and the Southwestern region)

Impact in Action

Story of Change

Featured Story

Story of Change · North Macedonia

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