EU delegation urges urgent legal reforms after seven femicides in 2026
Following the latest case, the EU calls for stable funding, stronger field capacities and full alignment with the EU Directive on violence against women.
The Delegation of the European Union to North Macedonia has voiced serious concern after seven femicides were reported in 2026, calling for immediate legal changes, stable funding for victim protection and full alignment of domestic law with EU rules.
European Commission report points to institutional failures
The European Commission's 2026 progress report singles out major weaknesses across the institutional chain: problems arise already at the point of reporting, followed by ineffective investigations and insufficient prosecution of perpetrators.
EU representatives said these gaps leave victims exposed and stressed that addressing them requires concrete reforms rather than ad hoc measures. Brussels insists on sustainable budgetary financing, stronger capacity on the ground and practical steps that will protect women before tragedies occur.
National legislation in North Macedonia is still not fully aligned with the EU Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence. That legal lag creates institutional gaps that directly affect the safety of victims, the Delegation warned.
The EU Delegation urged authorities to speed up legal harmonization, secure steady funding for institutions that assist victims, and improve reporting and investigative practices so cases are addressed promptly and perpetrators are held accountable.
Photo: press material from the event
