Country partnership strategy for the period FY 2015-2018: The World Bank's twin goals - to eliminate extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity are very relevant in FYR Macedonia because economic growth has not yet translated into significant poverty reduction or improved welfare of the poorest 40 percent of the population. FYR Macedonia's key strategies of development, including the national strategy for reduction of poverty and social exclusion in the Republic of Macedonia for 2010-2020 and the recently adopted South East Europe 2020 strategy, set out specific targets in these thematic areas, to which Bank assistance can contribute. During the CPS period, in-depth analytical work will be undertaken to reduce the current knowledge gaps around poverty. The CPS will focus on two interrelated themes: (i) growth and competitiveness; and (ii) skills and inclusion. Since FYR Macedonia's future is clearly linked to European integration, the CPS will actively promote the EU accession agenda and this will represent a cross- cutting theme