Supporting North Macedonia’s accession to the EU

The southeast European country of North Macedonia is advancing its bid for accession to the EU. GOPA is supporting this process by providing policy and institutional guidance. 

Successful accession to the EU requires compliance with the EU acquis and cluster-based approach. To meet these requirements, North Macedonia has to align with the EU’s standards, implement fundamental reforms, and strengthen institutional capacities.

Launched in November 2022,  GOPA’s SUPRAE (Support for Policy Reforms, Accession and Effectiveness) project, is a 54-month initiative (until May 2027) designed to strengthen the country’s strategic planning, reporting and communication through the accession process. We are assisting the accession process through our customised strategic, methodological and operational framework. SUPRAE also helps ensure appropriate use of EU Funds and contributes to enhancing the visibility of EU support in the country. 

We work across three main components to achieve our objectives. 

Sector Policy Reforms

SUPRAE helps North Macedonia strengthen its policy dialogue with the EU. It does this by deploying Sector Working Groups (SWGs) to address various topics to enhance understanding and, accordingly, update its strategic frameworks.

GOPA collaborates with stakeholders like the EU, USAID, and UN Women to empower and educate the SWGs. For example, in 2023, eight SWGs were trained on topics including public administration, local governance, financial management, energy, health, and transport. The knowledge gained by the SWGs will help the stakeholders in strategic policy document development and in updating the Performance Assessment Framework indicators.

EU Accession Process

SUPRAE enhances transparency and alignment in the accession process.  We prepared roadmaps for democratic institutions and minority rights, and simulated negotiations for Chapter 22 while developing procedures and methodologies for such implementation.

EU Funds Management

SUPRAE contributes to more effective management of EU funding instruments. This includes reorganising financial management systems, supporting programming and implementation of IPA funds, and enhancing monitoring and communication efforts. We supported the EU’s alignment with IPA III requirements, prepared procedural manuals, and organised IPA training workshops. We also assisted in preparing a self-assessment report for IPARD Measure 6 on rural infrastructure investments.

Visibility and Communication 

SUPRAE promotes clear communication around EU accession, EU assistance and national policy priorities. Strengthening public awareness is key to supporting reforms and ensuring stakeholder engagement.

Projects of this magnitude demand both dynamism and flexibility. SUPRAE reflects GOPA’s commitment to long-term partnership, delivering strategic support as North Macedonia advances into  EU accession.