First open-ended contracts for professional soldiers aged 45 were signed on October 29

On October 29 the Ministry of Defence announced that the first professional soldiers turning 45 had signed contracts for employment of indefinite duration. They continue working as civilians in the Ministry and the Army until retirement, instead of leaving the service. The reform, according to the Ministry, was prepared in cooperation with trade union associations and the General Staff. The news was carried by Makfax, Nova Makedonija, Republika, MKD.MK and Nezavisen.

What changes. Until now, soldiers turning 45 had to think about leaving the service. They now have one more option. According to Nova Makedonija, the aim is to reduce uncertainty after active service ends.

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The three options. First: staying on as a civilian with an indefinite contract. Second: severance of two average national salaries for each year spent in the Army. Third: a transfer to state or local government bodies. The second and third options remain, and the new one is the first.

An example of severance. Under that rule, for 20 years of service the severance would be 40 average salaries. This is our calculation based on the stated rule, and the exact sum depends on the average salary and on the specific case.

What an indefinite contract means. It is a contract without a pre-set end date. The employment lasts until retirement, unless it ends for another reason set by law. The Ministry says this way the state keeps experienced and trained people. The Ministry and the General Staff call professional soldiers “one of the pillars” of national security.

What is not published. It is not stated how many soldiers are covered, nor how many of them signed a contract. There is no figure for the salary under the new status, nor exactly from when the change applies. It is also not explained whether the civilian status carries the same rights as the previous one, for example regarding the allowances that members of the Army receive.

What to follow. First, how many soldiers will choose the new option and how many the severance or the transfer. Second, whether the salary for civilians will be published. Third, whether further changes to the law will be needed. For now we have only the first signed contracts, and a reform is judged by numbers, not by first signatures.

How the options compare. The first option means continuity of income until retirement, the second a one-off payment and the third a new job in another institution. Which is best depends on age, family situation and the options on the labour market. It is a personal decision for each soldier, and with the new option the state gives them a choice they did not have before.

How far the reform can be judged now. For now we know only about the first signed contracts and the Ministry’s statements. There is no independent assessment in the reports, nor a position from the unions, apart from the Ministry saying the reform was prepared with them. It is therefore early to say whether the reform will have an effect across the whole Army.

Why it matters. For an army that struggles to attract personnel, keeping trained people is a question of capacity. For the soldiers themselves, an indefinite contract means security until retirement. Whether the reform solves the problem depends on how many people actually stay.

MKNews Hub · Macedonia · October 30, 2026