The European Commission and the Government of North Macedonia held the annual meeting of the Monitoring Committee for the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) on 8 March 2023 in Skopje. This IPA Monitoring Committee is the first one to take place in the framework of IPA III. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Bojan Marichikj, Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs and National IPA Coordinator, for North Macedonia and by Ms. Michela Matuella, Acting Director for the Western Balkans, for the European Commission.

The European Commission and North Macedonia reviewed the overall progress in the ongoing EU financial assistance across all sectors, including democracy, rule of law, environment, climate change, education, competitiveness, employment, health and transport. They also discussed how to ensure the capacity of the authorities of North Macedonia to manage EU funds, including to implement the Economic and Investment Plan to maximise the benefits for the citizens of North Macedonia.

The European Commission reiterated its full support to North Macedonia in addressing the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The EU mobilised an Energy Support Package of € 1 billion for the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia, to protect the most vulnerable groups affected by the energy crisis and boost much needed investments in energy diversification. The European Commission has also proposed up to € 100 million in macro-financial assistance to support the country’s economy.

The European Commission is committed to accompanying North Macedonia on its EU accession path.