Тhe Netherlands has maintained a close relationship with Macedonia since Macedonia’s independence in the early 90's. The Netherlands has provided political support for the transition proces towards a multi-party democracy and market economy. Moreover it gave political and rehabilitation support in 2001 to solve and recover from the internal conflict.

An intensive development cooperation programme with Macedonia has existed since 1994, but is currently being phased out since Macedonia graduated from being an ODA (Official Development Assistance) eligible partner to a middle income country with which the Netherlands will have a broad relationship using non-ODA financial means. This shift was set in motion in 2005, but has become more prominent recently.

Macedonia however remains a unique partner for the Netherlands: a “post-conflict, multi-ethnic country in transition” that has obtained EU candidate status in 2005. In addition, Macedonia is an aspiring NATO member (expected membership in 2009) and part of the Dutch World Bank/IMF constituency which explains the substantial involvement in the public finance sector. Lastly the country has the potential to play a stabilising role in the region.

Dutch foreign policy consists of different components that are linked to each other and applied in an integral way. In Macedonia the following components explicitly apply:

- european and atlantic integration and support for accession processes;
- promotion of security and stability;
- respect for human rights and international law;
- promotion of good governance;
- increase of foreign trade and investments and
– social development and inclusion.

Different co-operation programmes are being used like defence cooperation, development (ODA) cooperation (though being phased out), good governance support,  Matra (non-ODA) support, EU instruments (CARDS and recently IPA) and economic instruments (like PSOM, PUM, CBI support). All instruments form an integral part of the foreign policy of the Netherlands.

In 2007 a new Multi Annual Strategic Plan (MASP) for the years 2008 - 2011 has been worked out. In this MASP the following strategic choices have been made:

·         to contribute to Euro-Atlantic integration; this remains the top priority and over-arching aim of the country

·         to contribute to improved governance, both political and economic, with specific attention for protecting human rights

·         to contribute to increased economic and human development

·         to increase trade and investment between the Netherlands and Macedonia

These strategic choices reconcile the requirements of addressing 1) the relevant development issues of the ministry as elaborated in the guiding policy paper "Working Together in Development (autumn 2007)"; 2) the relevant policy articles from the foreign policy and budget memorandum 2008; 3) relevant policy papers, like the recent human rights strategy; while 4) taking into consideration the preparation and approximation activities of Macedonia for full integration in the EU and NATO.

In carrying out activities the modality of bilateral twinning - linking a public institution of the Netherlands to a partner institution in Macedonia - is actively sought after by the embassy. Twinning implies a relationship on equal footing through a.i. peer contacts. Moreover, since institutions commit themselves to twin for a few years, sustainability aspects are also appropriately considered. Under the Matra programme, this modality will be further exploited.

Bilateral twinnings have been established between the  Macedonian Customs Administration and the  State Audit Office and their Dutch counterparts.Moreover there is an EU twinning involving the  Dutch Ministry of Finance with the  Ministry of Finance (PIFC- Public Internal Financial Control). In the past twinnings have existed with the police academy, the inter-ministerial commission for narcotic drugs and  ZELS.