The Republic of North Macedonia is a landlocked country in Southern Europe, bordering Kosovo, Serbia, Albania, Bulgaria, and Greece. The capital – Skopje (Скопje) – is home to approximately a quarter of the country’s population (approximately 2 million). Ethnic Macedonians make up most the country’s population (64.2 %), with Albanians (25.2 %), Turks (3.9 %), Romani (2.7 %), and Serbs (1.8 %) making up the remainder. The country’s geography is defined primarily by mountains, valleys, and rivers. The Republic of North Macedonia’s climate ranges from the Mediterranean to the continental. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are moderately cold. Average annual precipitation varies from 1 700 mm in the western mountainous area to 500 mm in the eastern one. There are three main climatic zones: the temperate Mediterranean, mountainous, and mildly continental. The warmest regions are Demir Kapija and Gevgelija, where the temperature in July and August can exceed 40°C.
Regarding to the EU support to North Macedonia in emergency management, we notify the continuous support by the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism – EUCPM. North Macedonia has activated the EUCPM 5 times: in 2007 (forest fires), before becoming e a member of the EUCPM, 2015 (floods), 2016 (floods), 2020 (COVID-19, request still open), and 2021 (forest fires). The implementation of the EU Common Emergency Communication and Information System – CECIS is reaching the final stage.
In 2018, upon our request, a peer-review of overall disaster management system was conducted in North Macedonia. The 10-day mission produced a peer-review report, developed and delivered in 2019. The recommendations are about to be implemented.
https://ec.europa.eu/echo/sites/default/files/peer_review_-_report_north_macedonia_v3_290419.pdf
Also, we permanently participate in the EUCPM training cycle, in the Civil Protection Committee, DG meetings and other bodies of the EUCPM.
EU supports a lot of projects in North Macedonia.
IPA cross-border of security cross-border transport of hazardous materials (MKD – GR)
EU project of mass sheltering of the affected population
EU project of development of new guidelines for preparing a SOPs
ERASMUS+ – Knowledge for resilient society – KFORCe
IPA FLOODS Lot 1 and Lot 2
IPA DRAM
IPA CAMPEX 2015 and MODEX 2017 exercises
IPA Cross-border MKD-ALB PROSPECT – Developing and Implementing Smart and Sustainable Integrated Wildfire Management System in the Cross-border Area
X-STOCK – Enhancing cross-border preparedness through shared management of emergency stock in South East Europe
HOPE – Complex Earthquake Management in South Caucasus Vulnerable Areas through Effective Planning, Reaction and Joint Operations
UCPM Training Program: Online Modules, Ad-hoc Training Courses, Training of Trainers, Thematic Seminars & Workshops
IPA Floods and Fires program – IPAFF, for Western Balkans Countries and Turkey
More information about the EU membership status of North Macedonia can be found at