Political relations

Relations between Slovenia and North Macedonia have traditionally been friendly and the countries have been good partners. There is intensive cooperation and constant dialogue between the two countries in political, economic, cultural and scientific fields. Slovenia has always supported North Macedonia politically, professionally and technically in its accession to the EU. Slovenia also strongly supported North Macedonia in its efforts to join NATO, which it ultimately did in 2020.

Development cooperation

In line with the priorities of Slovenian foreign and economic policies, bilateral development cooperation is focused mostly on the Western Balkan countries. Slovenia has concluded a bilateral agreement on development cooperation with North Macedonia and in accordance with the agreement, development cooperation between Slovenia and North Macedonia focuses on environmental protection, particularly the protection of water resources and management of waste water and energy efficiency. A particular emphasis is placed on the strengthening of economic development, balanced regional development, the modernization of the public administration and trainings in the context of EU accession.

Since 2015 Slovenia has donated more than €16 million for development cooperation projects in North Macedonia. A partial list of concluded projects is available at the foreign ministry archive webpage.

Slovenians in North Macedonia

After the disintegration of former Yugoslavia, Slovenians in North Macedonia felt the need and desire to be more organized, to meet and socialize in their new country. Thus, on 30th September 1994, a Slovenian Society was registered, and then on 10th January 1999 renamed to Slovenian Association »France Prešeren« in Skopje. The association, which today counts around 160 members from all over North Macedonia, has it's own statute, program goals, tasks and an annual work program. It is opened to all Slovenians and their descendants, relatives and anyone else who feels any link with Slovenia and its culture. It is a non-governmental, apolitical and non-profit organization, with a goal to preserve and expand the cultural and scientific values of the Slovenian nation, language, culture and folklore in North Macedonia, while not ignoring the values of the Macedonian nation, it represents a bridge between nations.

In the end of 2007, Slovenians from Bitola established the second Slovenian association in North Macedonia under the name Triglav. The Association encourages socializing, cares about social and cultural ties with Slovenia, organizes learning of Slovenian language, customs, traditions and cultural heritage and historical values. At the same time provides various forms of assistance and information, organizes cultural and scientific meetings.

On November 26, 2010, a third association of Slovenes in Northern Macedonia was founded, named the Slovenian Center from Skopje. In its regular activities, it strives for numerous activities, goals and tasks, among which are the preservation of Slovenian consciousness and the promotion of culture.