Skopje, 29 March 2022 (MIA) – Deputy PM for European Affairs and National IPA coordinator Bojan Marichikj addressed on Tuesday a government session on IPA projects. “We’ve shown the capacity to implement projects funded by EU grants, and also participate in a number of common EU sectoral policies, proving that European integration is not only a strategic priority, but part of the development strategy at home,” Marichikj said. He informed ministers at the session on the beginning of the process of development of the 2023 IPA programme, with the Government adopting a document on start of an Action Programme within IPA 3, the Secretariat for European Affairs said in a press release. Marichikj explained the process of ‘maturing’ of the projects, as well as rules and conditions to use IPA support in an efficient way in order to avoid losing funds. He mentioned that the purpose of implementing IPA funded projects is to improve the lives of citizens, as well as open new jobs, which is why it is crucial to implement them in a timely and planned manner. “The Republic of North Macedonia is currently implementing programmes through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance IPA 2014-2020, and since mid-2020 it has started with preparation of programme documents for the implementation of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance IPA 2021-2027 which target certain sectors including transport, environment, agriculture, etc.,” the Deputy PM said. He pointed out that the projects ensure achieving national and sectoral strategic priorities, which are also the European Union’s priorities for the country in the area of connecting transport infrastructure, environmental protection, and implementation of Green Agenda priorities, as well as support to agriculture and rural development. “The Action Programme within IPA 3 is expected to set the priorities in funding government programmes and projects within the European Union’s Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance, and in this regard, Deputy PM Marichikj announced for next week a meeting of the Programme Mission IPA 2023, which will also be attended by European Commission delegates,” the press release adds.