Analysis Category: Analysis and Publications

The World Bank published the Second B-ready report. This report is a World Bank
Group corporate flagship report that evaluates the global business and investment
climate across three pillars: Regulatory Framework, Public Services, and Operational
Efficiency.

The efficiency gap is a key finding in the Business Ready (B-READY) 2025 report,
describing a significant disconnect between the “rules on the Laws” and the practical
reality for businesses.

For the world as a whole, across all 101 economies analyzed, the average score for
Operational Efficiency is 10% lower than that for the Regulatory Framework revealing
a persistent global efficiency gap.

In 2024, Macedonia had no efficiency gap, an exception to global trends, as the
regulatory framework scored higher (75.81) than operational efficiency (69.95).
In 2025, however, Macedonia’s regulatory score (73.62) exceeded its operational
efficiency score (70.21), reflecting the global trend where legislative progress outpaces
practical execution.

What does this mean for Macedonia?
Simply “passing better laws” is not enough; Macedonia must focus on holistic
measures to strengthen institutional capacity and streamline the actual delivery of
services.

As part of the European Union-funded project BARSERVICE – Smart Bargaining in the Services Sector, Macedonia2025 is proud to present four sector-specific reports that analyze the state of collective bargaining and social dialogue in key areas of the services economy in Macedonia.

These reports provide an in-depth look at the commerce, finance, publishing, and social care sectors, examining:

1. Sector trends and transformations

2. Current practices and challenges in collective bargaining

3. Workforce dynamics, including digitalization and gender disparities

4. Power relations between employers and employees

5. Policy recommendations and alignment with EU standards on decent work and minimum wages

The reports advocate for a transition towards smart bargaining — a forward-looking, inclusive, and evidence-based approach to labor negotiations that adapts to evolving economic and social conditions.

This research contributes to a broader regional effort to promote fair labor practices and resilient social partnerships in Southern and Eastern Europe.

PERHOUSE leaflet Macedonia

PERHOUSE National Report Macedonia

PERHOUSE_Policy brief Macedonia