North Macedonia

Journalists within North Macedonia operate in a relatively secure environment compared to other Balkan countries. Progress towards improved media freedom has been made in recent years, but remains tenuous, undermined by broad systemic challenges; specifically, low public confidence in journalism. A 2023 report from the European Centre for Press & Media Freedom characterised the information space in North Macedonia as “very vulnerable to foreign influence”, and disinformation remains a large concern.

Due to the fragmented nature of North Macedonian society, BFMI is concerned that disinformation campaigns may cause greater rifts between ethnic groups and cause the country to backslide. 

 In May 2024, the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE were elected, leading to public hopes that the country would make a more dedicated effort to the pursuit of EU accession. However, concerns have been raised over the potential of enflamed tensions within the state due to the party’s nationalist rhetoric.