Skopje, 6 March 2025 (MIA) - North Macedonia has joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). Companies will find it easier to engage in cross-border trade in goods and services, while citizens will benefit from simpler, faster, and cheaper money transfer services within SEPA countries, Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska shared on Facebook, following the decision by the European Payments Council (EPC).

“This is a confirmation of the efforts made by the Ministry of Finance, the National Bank, and other institutions that have worked on aligning the regulations for the country's accession to the SEPA area, i.e., the single payment system for citizens and businesses from the country with those from the SEPA area, specifically the EU. For companies, we are facilitating their participation in cross-border trade of goods and services within SEPA, expanding their business, and increasing their competitiveness. For citizens, we are enabling simpler, faster, and cheaper money transfer services to SEPA countries,” she said.

She further stated that to accomplish this goal, the Ministry of Finance has made changes to the Law on Payment Services and Payment Systems, as well as the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, to align with EU regulations.

“Companies and citizens will be able to make transfers just like they do within the domestic payment system with 38 countries that are part of SEPA and the EU. The results are visible, and we are steadfast in our goal to build an advanced state and a developed economy. North Macedonia is aligning with global trends,” Minister Dimitrieska-Kochoska said.

Photo: Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska’s Facebook