Ten local self-government units from all eight planning regions will join the fourth cycle of the second phase of the "Empowering Municipal Councils" program. The selected municipalities—Novaci, Radovish, Shuto Orizari, Makedonska Kamenica, Kichevo, Demir Kapija, Vrapchishte, Rosoman, Kratovo, and the City of Skopje—were chosen following a restricted call for participation. Out of 27 eligible local self-government units, 17 applied for the call.

In this new cycle, approximately 160 municipal councilors will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills through the Capacity Development Program. The curriculum covers 11 key areas of local governance, including public finance, spatial and urban planning, good governance, anti-corruption, inter-municipal cooperation, gender equality, environmental protection, and crisis management.

In addition to the training, each selected municipality will be eligible for a grant of up to $15,000 to implement local projects identified through direct communication with citizens via Community Forums. These funds will target initiatives that improve social services and provide greater support for vulnerable groups, adhering to the principles of equality and inclusivity.

Furthermore, the municipalities and their councils will receive support for activities aimed at increasing transparency, accountability, and the digitalization of local services, creating better conditions for more efficient council operations and high-quality performance of their mandates.

With the addition of this latest group, the program has reached its target of including a total of 40 municipalities in its second phase. Combined with the 24 partner municipalities from the first phase, a total of 64 local self-government units across the country have received direct support over the past ten years.

The "Empowering Municipal Councils – Phase 2" project is a program valued at $6.9 million, funded by the Government of Switzerland and the Ministry of Local Self-Government, and co-funded and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in cooperation with national and local partners.