Salaries to rise from Jan 1, 2027 for Army and Ministry of Defense staff
Vlado Misajlovski announced higher salaries, a new collective agreement and a legal solution for professional soldiers turning 45.
Employees of the Army and the Ministry of Defense will receive higher pay beginning January 1, 2027, the minister announced at a ceremonial event in Kumanovo. Vlado Misajlovski said the rise in salaries will be accompanied by a new collective agreement with unions and a legislative solution for professional soldiers who turn 45.
Key measures and timing
Misajlovski delivered the information during the ceremony marking the Day of the Operations Command at the Boro Menkov barracks in Kumanovo. Present at the event were President and Commander-in-Chief Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Chief of the General Staff Sashko Lafchiski, as well as representatives of state institutions, MPs, diplomats and defence attachés.
The minister stressed ongoing investment in personnel, army modernization and improving working conditions. He said improving material and social status for staff remains a priority alongside procurement of modern military equipment.
No concrete percentages for the announced pay increases have been released yet, nor details on how the rise will be distributed among different employee categories. The measure is intended to strengthen motivation and help retain staff in the defence sector.
Misajlovski also noted that more than €26 million were paid during his mandate to settle court judgments stemming from lawsuits filed in 2019 and 2020. He said these payments have been made alongside obligations under the current collective agreement.
The proposed law on the status of professional soldiers who reach 45 has already passed a government collegium and is expected to be considered at an upcoming Government session. If adopted, it would create a clearer institutional framework for the future status and employment prospects of this category.
Finally, the minister reported that financial obligations related to the procurement of Stryker armoured vehicles and howitzers are being fulfilled according to schedule, as part of the broader effort to upgrade the Army’s operational capabilities.
Photo: press material from the event
