14th meeting of the Public Administration Reform Special Group between the European Union and North Macedonia

14th meeting of the Public Administration Reform Special Group between the European Union and North Macedonia

The 14th meeting of the Public Administration Reform (PAR) Special Group between the EU and North Macedonia took place in Brussels on 26 March 2026. The meeting was co-chaired for the European Union by Mr. Hubert Duhot, Deputy Head of Unit for Albania and North Macedonia at the Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission, and for North Macedonia by Ms Maja Risova Mutlular, Head of Cabinet of the Minister of Public Administration. Minister of Public Administration Goran Minchev provided opening remarks.

On the strategic framework for PAR, the Commission reiterated the importance of the PAR Roadmap as the overarching framework guiding EU related reforms in this area and welcomed its finalisation. The Commission acknowledged progress in the implementation rate of the Public Administration Reform Strategy and recalled the need for the timely completion and publication of monitoring reports. The Commission emphasised the need to advance the related commitments under the Reform Agenda.

Regarding Public Finance Management, the Commission welcomed the progress made with the adoption 17 by-laws foreseen in the Organic Budget Law and the adoption of the Public Investment Management Decree. The Government confirmed its commitment to respecting the deadlines for the entry into force of the Organic Budget Law and the establishment of the Integrated Financial Management Information System. The Commission called on the authorities to strengthen the administrative capacity and improve the absorption of EU funds.

In the area of Public Service and Human Resources Management, the Commission took note of the adoption of the Law on Administrative Servant and the Law on Public Service Employees and encouraged continued progress in implementing the new legislative framework. The Commission also highlighted the need to address remaining challenges, including fragmentation of the civil service, the development of a unified salary system and measures to retain qualified staff. Both sides agreed to further work on the remaining issues in the laws on administrative servants, on public sector employees and on senior management.

On Policy Development and Coordination, the Commission welcomed the recent progress in improving sector planning practices, training of civil servants, the increased use of regulatory impact assessment and public consultation and reduced use of shortened legislative procedures. The need for the adoption and monitoring and reporting on the National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis was also discussed.

Concerning Accountability, the Commission positively noted reforms of the inspection oversight system. It stressed the importance of advancing the Law on the Organisation of State Administrative Bodies to clarify responsibilities and reduce overlaps. It also highlighted the need to further strengthen accountability and transparency across public institutions.

On Service Delivery, the Commission acknowledged progress in digital transformation and the development of e-services, while stressing the need to ensure consistent implementation of administrative procedures, improve interoperability and strengthen digital capacities.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue cooperation on public administration reform as a key element of North Macedonia's EU accession process.