Measures and programmes within the 2017 Operational Plan should result in new 10,000 jobs, the Government said on Friday.

EUR 14,2 million have been allocated for the plan, which represents an increase of EUR 2,6 million compared to 2016.

"We expect the opening of about 10,000 new jobs through the implementation of this Operational Plan, alongside project 'Employing Macedonia 2', thus reducing the unemployment rate under 22 percent this year and down to 17-18 percent by 2020", said Vice Premier for Economic Affairs Vladimir Pesevski at today's press conference.

The Operational Plan includes 22 employment programmes and measures, along with 11 services at the labor market.

"The Government has put the fight against unemployment on top of its priorities. This fight will go on until all citizens get a chance to work, contribute for themselves and their families, as well as the country's development", said Pesevski.

Minister of Labor and Social Policy Ibrahim Ibrahimi stressed the plan's implementation should improve the functioning of the labor market, support the job creation process and increase employability.

"Unemployed persons registered in the Employment Service Agency as active job seekers have access to services, programmes and measures of the plan. The eligibility is determined based on the criteria defined for each service, programme and measure. A general rule is to have equal representation of men and women, along with at least 30-percent participation of young people under the age of 29", said Ibrahimi.

These and other complementary economic policies, programmes and measures have supported the opening of over 168,000 new jobs, whereas the unemployment rate has dropped from 38 percent in 2005 to 23.4 percent by the end of 2016.