Considering the emphasis on practical skills development and the relation with the private sector thereto, both formal VET and non-formal VSD are more influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic than general education. In North Macedonia, the crisis revealed the missing investments in infrastructure, human resources development, practical training, decentralization processes, marked orientation, digitalization etc. which have consequently resulted in a fragile VSD/VET system that barely meets the expectations of the students learners or the expectations of the E4E@мк Influence of COVID-19 on VSD/VET in North Macedonia 12 employers in finding a workforce employee and is therefore recognized as second option to general education. Nevertheless, COVID-19 is a fact and has therefore to be considered as a real challenge that needs to be addressed. E4E@мк project is convinced that the recently started move towards a more labour market-oriented and inclusive VSD/VET system with a stronger engagement of the private sector and a higher emphasis of the development of the practical skills has to remain, as this is the only promising option to provide qualified staff needed for the development of the Macedonian economy and hence to create employment opportunities for the people in the country especially those form the marginalized groups. Adaptations as mentioned in the chapters above have to be introduced in all state and private actors involved in VSD/VET based on a jointly defined strategy. Although the international partners will continue to support North Macedonia in this direction,it is the Macedonian Government and the Macedonian economy which have to steer the development of VSD/VET in the interest of its population and general socio-economic welfare