Skopje, 17 February 2026 (MIA) - Every single denar from the budget must be economically justified and aimed at development. Our fiscal policy is founded on fiscal consolidation and accelerated economic growth. These goals are not opposed to each other, they are linked, said Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska in an address Tuesday at a panel discussion on strengthening state aid management in the Western Balkans.

The Minister noted that fiscal discipline means reducing unproductive costs and directing funds to areas where they will create the most added value, “within that framework,” she said, “state aid is an instrument that must be carefully designed, targeted, and continuously assessed.”

“State aid must not be a burden on public finance, but rather an investment in competitiveness and sustainable growth. It encompasses various areas and a significant amount of funds. According to data from the Commission for Protection of Competition, state assistance in 2023 stood at EUR 206 million or almost 1.5 percent of GDP, while in 2024 it reached EUR 235.2 million or 1.52 percent of GDP. These sums highlight the importance of this instrument, but even more so the need for a high level of transparency and accountability. Economic indicators show that assisting investments positively affects economic activity,” Dimitrieska-Kochoska stressed.

The Finance Minister said the country has registered growth of almost and over three percent for five quarters in a row, with growth reaching 3.8 percent in Q3 2025. She said gross investments over the same period have grown by 30.6 percent due to increased activity in the private sector.

“In addition to the state aid measures, the Government has also provided EUR 250 million in favorable loans to support businesses’ investment projects, as well as an additional EUR 250 million for capital projects in municipalities, encouraging economic activity and ensuring more balanced regional development,” Dimitrieska-Kochoska said.

The discussion was held by the Finance Think institute, and it was attended by representatives of the academic and business community, representatives of institutions from Western Balkan countries, heads and members of competition protection commissions, as well as representatives of international partners.

Photo: MIA