Strengthening Probation Services in North Macedonia: A Strategic Approach to Reducing Incarceration

• In Event: International Criminal Law Making Policies Panel 2

Abstract

Probation is an essential component of modern criminal justice systems, providing an effective alternative to incarceration while promoting offender rehabilitation and reintegration. In North Macedonia, despite legislative efforts to develop the probation service, its practical implementation remains limited. The country’s criminal justice system continues to rely heavily on custodial sentences, leading to challenges such as prison overcrowding, high recidivism rates, and insufficient rehabilitation programs. Recognizing these issues, the government adopted the Strategy for the Development of the Probation Service in North Macedonia (2021-2025) to expand the use of probation and ensure its effectiveness as a viable sentencing alternative. This paper critically examines the current state of probation services in North Macedonia, evaluates the progress in implementing the strategic objectives outlined in the national strategy, and provides policy recommendations to strengthen probation practices. By addressing institutional limitations, judicial reluctance, and financial constraints, this study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform to create a sustainable and effective probation system aligned with European standards.

Author

• Elena Mujoska Trpevska, Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts