Youth of Diverse Families (YDF), a North Macedonia based youth-led organisation and member of COFACE Families Europe, has sent an open letter to Roxana Mînzațu, European Commissioner for social rights and skills, quality jobs and preparedness. The letter calls for greater European solidarity and concrete action to improve the situation of children and young people from single-parent and one-parent families in North Macedonia.
In their letter, YDF highlights the significant socio-economic challenges faced by single-parent households in the country, including financial hardship, social exclusion and restricted access to basic services such as housing and education. Economic strain and the loss of a second parent can lead to chronic difficulties that persist into adolescence and adulthood. Compared to peers from two-parent families, these young people are often disadvantaged by gaps in social services, educational support, and employment opportunities.
As North Macedonia advances its EU membership candidacy, YDF stresses that inclusive youth policies are essential for meeting European standards on social protection and equal opportunities. The organisation urges the European Commission to actively engage with Macedonian institutions to strengthen policies for single-parent households and ensure these families are formally recognised within national frameworks.
The open letter sets out several recommendations aligned with the European Pillar of Social Rights, including:
- Financial assistance and alimony payments for single-parent families;
- Scholarships and financial aid for students from single-parent households;
- Preschool fee waivers;
- Free social support and counselling services;
- Access to affordable housing and social housing.
Youth of Diverse Families emphasise that addressing these issues is not only about providing immediate support but also about ensuring long-term social and economic inclusion. “We believe that the promotion of inclusive youth policies should be an integral part of North Macedonia’s efforts to comply with the requirements for European Union membership,” the organisation states.
This initiative reflects the commitment of YDF to advocate for the rights and well-being of all children and young people, ensuring that no one is left behind in the European integration process. COFACE Families Europe stands alongside its member organisation in calling for stronger support for single-parent families and the children growing up within them.
