Slander and libel laws have led to media self-censorship. Political influence on the judiciary is significant. Public administration is inefficient, and potentially undermined by the rapidly changing composition of the country s ethnic populations. Addressing ethnic tensions in Macedonia is key to sustaining its evolution as a democracy. The Kosovo conflict increased tensions among ethnic Macedonians, Albanians, and Serbs.
Endemic corruption darkens prospects for consolidation of democratic and economic reforms.
Macedonia s commitment to democracy and to a market economy warrants continued support. Given the challenges facing Macedonia, including recovery from the impacts of Kosovo, termination of SEED assistance in 2004 as planned may be premature. Planning parameters for the Macedonia program, including the graduation date, are being reviewed in the context of post-Kosovo initiatives for regional stabilization. Visit our contact page to find the appropriate resource.