Skopje, 26 September 2024 (EU Delegation/MIA) - This week, an audit team headed by the Member of the European Court of Auditors, Dr Laima Liucija Andrikienė visited the Republic of North Macedonia. The primary aim of the visit was to audit North Macedonia’s financial transactions for the year 2024 as part of the EU budget expenditure under the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027, Heading 6 ‘Neighbourhood and the World’.

During her visit, Dr Andrikienė accompanied by the EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas, met with the President of the Assembly Mr Afrim Gashi, the Chair of the Committee on European Affairs Mr Antonijo Miloshoski, the Chair of the Finance and Budget Committee Ms Sanja Lukarevska, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Ms. Andriana Matlioska, with the Deputy Minister of European Affairs Dr. Viktorija Trajkov, as well as with the Auditor General Mr Maksim Acevski who Dr Andrikjene met accompanied by the Head of Political, EU integration, press and information section of the EU Delegation, Mr Ben Nupnau. The purpose of these meetings was to discuss the progress on democracy and the rule of law ahead of the accession to the EU, current state of play of the implementation of the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans, and utilisation of the EU assistance in the Republic of North Macedonia under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III).

The rule of law is a core principle of the EU, and it is vital that the candidate countries fully adhere to it before the accession. “I see the effective implementation of the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans as an opportunity to progress with the necessary reforms bringing the Western Balkan countries closer to EU standards and the accession”, said Dr Andrikienė.

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) is the independent external auditor of the EU. The auditors warn of risks, provide assurance, highlight shortcomings and good practice, and offer guidance to EU policymakers and legislators on improving the management of EU policies and programmes. Through its work the ECA ensures that EU citizens know how their money is being spent.

Photo: Parliament