Macedonia2025 Advocates for Stronger Diaspora Engagement and Circular Migration

Turning diaspora potential into tangible development opportunities

Macedonia2025, represented by its Chief Economist, Misho Nikolov, participated in the discussion “Diaspora and Circular Migration: From Movement to Development,” organized by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), with support from Sweden.

The event brought together representatives of institutions and relevant stakeholders to discuss how circular migration, diaspora investment, and knowledge transfer can contribute to Macedonia’s long-term economic and social development.

From Research to Action: Unlocking Diaspora Potential

During the discussion, Misho Nikolov presented the study “Diaspora Circularity and Investment: Functional Analysis in North Macedonia,” co-authored with Marina Manke and Uroš Živković.

The study examines the institutional framework for diaspora engagement, identifies key challenges that limit the effective mobilization of diaspora resources, and offers practical recommendations for improving coordination, facilitating circular migration, and creating a more supportive environment for diaspora investment and knowledge transfer.

The findings emphasize the importance of moving beyond recognizing the diaspora's potential toward establishing concrete mechanisms that enable Macedonians living abroad to contribute their expertise, professional networks, entrepreneurial experience, and financial resources to the country's development.

Strengthening Cooperation with Government Institutions

An important part of the discussion focused on the positive cooperation between Macedonia2025 and the Government of Macedonia, particularly on initiatives aimed at addressing practical challenges faced by the diaspora.

Two developments were highlighted:

• Digitalization of passport issuance procedures at diplomatic and consular missions, aimed at improving accessibility and efficiency of administrative services for Macedonian citizens abroad.

• Inclusion of the diaspora in the Operational Programme for Active Labour Market Measures, creating additional opportunities to connect diaspora talent, skills, and experience with Macedonia's labour market and economic development priorities.

These initiatives represent meaningful steps toward translating policy commitments into practical solutions and strengthening institutional responsiveness to the needs of the diaspora.

Building Stronger Connections for Sustainable Development

For Macedonia2025, diaspora engagement is a strategic priority and an essential component of the country's long-term development.

By fostering stronger institutional cooperation, supporting circular migration, and encouraging investment and knowledge exchange, Macedonia can create more opportunities for its diaspora to actively participate in economic and social progress.

The goal is not simply to maintain connections with Macedonians abroad, but to transform those connections into sustainable partnerships, investments, and development opportunities.

Macedonia2025 extends its appreciation to the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Sweden, and all participating institutions for the constructive dialogue and continued commitment to advancing diaspora engagement.

We look forward to building on this cooperation and contributing to practical, sustainable solutions that connect Macedonia with its global diaspora.