Gjorcev: Depopulation in North Macedonia has affected all aspects of society

Vlatko Gjorcev, the National Coordinator for Demography, Youth, and Human Resources in the Government of North Macedonia, warns that depopulation has impacted every aspect of society. He emphasizes that while all resources are important, human resources are the most crucial, and the reduction of the workforce triggers a "cascade of negative consequences."

"The fact is that all Balkan countries are experiencing depopulation, with large numbers of people, primarily for socio-economic reasons, emigrating to Germany, Scandinavia, the Benelux countries, and some even to distant places like Canada, the US, and Australia. The result is a reduced workforce, fewer students in schools, fewer people available in the labor market, and fewer children in kindergartens. In short, there is no area untouched by these depopulation processes, because without people, nothing can function," Gjorcev states.

He expresses hope that in the coming period, not only the Balkan countries but others as well will confront this issue, as "advanced depopulation penetrates all aspects of social life."

"The fact is that this year, Germany has doubled its quotas for work permits from the Western Balkans, which means that a large number of people will leave. There is a shortage of construction workers, craftsmen, doctors, nurses, and technicians, as well as engineers. Today, many people have migrated because they can apply online, and work permits have become much more flexible," he explains.

He warns that the shrinking workforce also affects the number of consumers, resulting in reduced consumption.

"A spiral or cascade of negative consequences emerges: the economy contracts, the productive population decreases, and this reflects on taxes, the stability of the pension system, and everything else. I believe that demography is absolutely one of the key and most important issues, and it will remain so in the years and decades ahead. All resources are important, but human resources are the most critical. Without people, nothing can function," Gjorcev warns.