Promoting evidence and dialogue for enhancing state aid’s effect onto consumer welfare in North Macedonia

The objective of the action is to promote evidence and foster dialogue on the role of state aid for consumer welfare in North Macedonia.

The specific objectives of the action include:

  1. To understand existing forms of state aid in North Macedonia (direct subsidies, tax exemptions, discounted loans etc.) and their (mutual) consistency within the overall anti-trust legislation in the country;
  2. To produce robust evidence on whether state aid distorts competition on the market, with application on the paramount governmental program for subsidizing companies in North Macedonia and dwelling on the ‘market economy operator’ principle;
  3. To improve the dialogue among stakeholders, as well raise public awareness, on state aid, alignment with EU Acquis and consumer welfare.

 

By having achieved these objectives, the action will significantly contribute to enhancing the role of state aid for the market competition and efficiency, and hence onto consumer welfare.

 

Duration: February 2020 – February 2021

Donor: Balkan Trust for Democracy – Norwegian Embassy Belgrade

 

Common country analysis – economic and social trends

The aim of the project is to synthesize existing knowledge in the area of economic, social and development trends and policies in North Macedonia, identify the most lagging population groups in terms of a set of development indicators, identify short- and medium-term risks, as well as knowledge and data gaps, all in the context of sustainable development goals.

 

Provider: Office of the UN Resident Coordinator

Duration: November 2019 – March 2020

 

Beyond income inequalities in North Macedonia

The aim of the project is to provide an overview of inequalities in North Macedonia beyond income, i.e. inequalities in opportunities in four critical areas: education, healthcare, labor market and justice.

 

Provider: UNDP

Duration: December 2019 – January 2020

 

Gender equality in the workplace: Monitoring at the local level

The main objective of the project is to promote and encourage gender equality and non-discrimination in hiring and in the workplace.

The short-term goals of the project include: 1) assessing employers’ attitudes to gender inequality and discrimination in hiring and tin the workplace and the mechanisms for their prevention and protection; 2) to examine the experiences of workers in relation to gender inequality and discrimination and to assess whether they are reduced to isolated cases or systematically occurring; 3) to help policymakers make informed decisions based on evidence, data and recommendations; 4) to encourage social dialogue between key stakeholders (workers, employers and policymakers); 5) to raise public awareness of the regulatory framework for protection against gender inequality and discrimination in hiring and in the workplace.

 

Donor: Foundation Open Society

Duration: November 2019 – May 2020