Positive economic indicators in the second and third quarters of 2010 are expected to continue in the course of this year. The Government expects the economy to rise by 3.5 percent in 2011, with the Central Bank projection at three percent.

According to Government projections, the rise is based on factors of external and domestic nature, primarily recovery of European economy and the increased demand for Macedonian products.

A significant factor in this regard is the domestic demand and budget investments, aimed in all sectors - transport, healthcare, education etc.

The Central bank expects acceleration of the economic growth, although it believes risks are still present. However, they will be monitored and timely actions will be undertaken.
Anti-Discrimination Law enters into force

Skopje, 2 January 2011 (MIA) - The Anti-Discrimination Law, which enters into force as of January 1, bans any direct or indirect discrimination, calling or inciting discrimination and assisting discriminatory actions.

The law will be applied in the field of labor and labor relations, education, science and sports, social security, housing, membership and activities in trade unions, political parties or NGOs etc.

Sexual orientation is not explicitly stipulated as grounds for discrimination protection, but the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy claims any person discriminated on this grounds can ask for assistance.

According to the ministry, members of the LGBT population will be protected by addressing the Anti-Discrimination Committee, with sanctions stipulated for legal entities if such discrimination is confirmed.

The law encompasses several grounds for protection from discrimination in line with European directives, but not homosexuals, since such a term does not exist in Macedonian legislation, says the ministry.

According to NGOs and the international community, Macedonia has made a step forward by adopting the law, but is lacks citing sexual discrimination as grounds for discrimination.

The authorities defended the proposal by saying that the EU directive in the field of labor law has been introduced by the Parliament, i.e. the Law on Labor Relations clearly reads that no one can be discriminated because of the sexual orientation, and there is no need for explicit citing it as grounds in the Anti-Discrimination Law.