Key aspects of bilateral relations are North Macedonia’s political development following independence, Germany’s role as the country’s leading cooperation partner, and the personal ties forged by some 150,000 citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia living in Germany. It is Germany’s policy to support the European integration of North Macedonia and the necessary reforms, in particular with regard to the rule of law and infrastructure.

Bilateral cooperation encompasses numerous programmes and projects. These are carried out via Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, as well as other German actors (e.g. German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Central Agency for Schools Abroad (ZfA), Civil Peace Service, German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation, Berlin Economics). Cooperation focuses on investments in modern energy infrastructure (water, wind and solar power; energy efficiency; the European power grid) as well as on EU integration in various policy areas, via, for example, consultancy on climate change adaptation in agriculture, social inclusion in the spheres of social and labour market policy and facilitating regional trade via simplified customs operations). Simplifying and strengthening the transparency of administrative procedures is another important area of cooperation.

Germany is North Macedonia’s most important trading partner. Approximately 40 percent of North Macedonia’s exports go to Germany, and trade between the two countries accounts for one quarter of North Macedonia’s total trade volume. A Chamber of Commerce Abroad opened in Skopje in 2017, and the German-Macedonian Business Association that is linked to it has some 175 member companies, making it the largest business association in the country. More than 150 German companies employ more than 22,000 people.

Bilateral cultural relations are multifaceted. For several years now, the German Embassy in Skopje has organised a film festival that screens new German productions. In cooperation with the Goethe-Institut, it supports exchange with German artists, organises exhibitions and concerts and conducts projects as part of Franco-German cultural cooperation in third countries. It also supports youth and reconciliation initiatives like the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) and Youth Alliance – Kruševo.

Interest in the German language in North Macedonia is strong – as becomes evident, among other things, during the German Language Days, which are held annually. German is the most popular foreign language after English. Last year, nearly 30% of school pupils in North Macedonia took German classes.