North Macedonia Country Summary

FATF Status

North Macedonia is not on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

The last follow-up Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in North Macedonia was undertaken in 2025. According to that Evaluation, North Macedonia was deemed Compliant for 6 and Largely Compliant for 22 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It remains Highly Effective for 0 and Substantially Effective 1 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.

North Macedonia faces significant challenges related to crime and corruption, with persistent issues in law enforcement and the judiciary, where allegations of corruption are widespread. Despite the establishment of new anti-corruption bodies and legislative amendments aimed at improving governance, enforcement remains weak, and there are concerns about politically motivated actions against critics, undermining public confidence in the system.

The country is a source and transit point for various forms of trafficking and smuggling, with organized criminal networks playing a prominent role in illicit markets, often collaborating with state actors. While there have been improvements in democratic governance and international cooperation, issues such as nepotism, corruption within law enforcement, and the influence of the informal economy continue to hinder resilience against crime and corruption in North Macedonia.

North Macedonia's economy is characterized by moderate growth, with a GDP growth rate of 2.2% in 2024, hindered by high energy prices, inflation, and disruptions from the Russia-Ukraine war. The government has implemented a Growth Acceleration Plan aiming to double the average GDP growth rate to 5% and reduce unemployment from 12.5% to 8.6% by 2026, while also seeking to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) through incentives in free economic zones. Despite a generally favorable environment for business, challenges such as corruption, a complex regulatory framework, and a high unemployment rate persist, impacting investor confidence and the overall investment climate.