A two-year suspension of state grants for foreign publishers has made it harder for Macedonian authors to reach global audiences, according to writers and industry experts.

A government program providing translation grants to foreign publishers for Macedonian literature has been suspended since 2024. The initiative, which previously helped offset the financial risks of publishing unknown authors, is currently under review by the North Macedonia Culture Ministry. Writers and publishers warn that the absence of this funding hinders the international visibility of Macedonian literature and threatens the careers of emerging authors.

Impact on Authors and Publishers

The loss of state support has created significant hurdles for Macedonian writers attempting to enter foreign markets. Bojan Sazdov, president of the Macedonian Association of Publishers, noted that the lack of funding diminishes the country's success at international book fairs. For authors like Rumena Buzharovska, the absence of incentives makes it difficult for foreign publishers to justify the cost of translating works from a small language, potentially leaving Macedonian writers unrecognized globally. Nika Gavrovska, a writer and publisher, highlighted that while Macedonian children's literature has achieved international acclaim, the lack of state support forces publishers to seek alternative funding or abandon projects. She emphasized that the current situation creates a dysfunctional chain that undermines efforts to promote Macedonian culture abroad.

Historical Shortcomings and Future Outlook

The translation program, first introduced in 2014, faced criticism from industry professionals even before its suspension. Writers reported frequent issues with the Ministry of Culture, including delayed payments, lack of communication, and instances where promised grants were never issued. Lidija Dimkovska cited personal experiences where publishers and translators did not receive approved funding, which she warned could damage long-term relationships with international partners. The Culture Ministry stated that the program underwent a review in 2025 and that improvements to its criteria and priorities are in their final phase. Officials indicated a real possibility that a redesigned version of the program will be relaunched later this year.