Zoran Jolevski

The Macedonian parliament approved on Monday the extension of the state of emergency in force on the country's southern and northern borders until the end of the year.

Macedonian Defence Minister Zoran Jolevski said the extension was a necessary measure against the increasing number of refugees entering and passing through the country.

Macedonia and Serbia, which both lie on the transit route to the EU, said they were prepared for more arrivals despite Germany's announcement on Sunday that it would be temporarily exiting the Schengen passport-free zone and reintroducing to deal with the large influx of refugees.

Floods in the region of Macedonia's Tetovo have claimed the lives of several people, including two children.

A number of villages have been rendered totally inaccessible due to landslides.

Macedonia revamps military

A recruitment drive started what Macedonian officials call the "rejuvenation of the army."

Macedonia is engaged in an effort to grow and modernise its military. [AFP]

Macedonia promises to have a fully modernised military in 2015.

Macedonia, US boost military ties

A military training partnership with the US aims to help Macedonia meet NATO standards.

Macedonian troops conduct an exercise at the Krivolak training centre northeast of Skopje. [AFP]

In an effort to hasten its accession to NATO, Macedonia plans to conduct joint military exercises with the United States.

Macedonia, Croatia intensify military co-operation

The two countries will conduct expert exchanges, and Croatia will have access to the pilot training centre in Skopje.

Macedonia Defence Minister Zoran Jolevski (left) and Croatian Defence Minister Ante Kotromanovic met in Skopje earlier this month. [Miki Trajkovski/SETimes]

US military assistance contributes to Balkan armies' modernisation

Experts say modernised military forces will be more prepared to confront extremists like the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Macedonia Defence Minister Zoran Jolevski inspects equipment donated by the US military. [Defence Ministry of Macedonia]

BELGRADE - The chairperson of the Serbian parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior Affairs Marija Obradovic said during a meeting with Macedonian Defence Minister Zoran Jolevski that it is important for regional countries to act together in order to be able to respond to the challenges of protecting local population.

“This time I expect substantial progress at the meetings with the leaders in Skopje and Athens,” UN mediator Nimetz was quoted as saying in an interview for “Voice of the People,” a Macedonian TV magazine.

Nimetz will visit Skopje on Monday and Tuesday to meet Macedonian leaders, after which he will travel to Athens, a UN press release explained.

United Nations mediator Matthew Nimetz will visit Skopje and Athens for talks next week, it was announced on Wednesday.

Nimetz will be in Skopje on July 28 and 29 before spending the next two days in Athens.

According to the UN, Nimetz is traveling to Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) with the aim of rekindling discussions on the name dispute.