Brussels, 26 March 2026 (MIA) – Progress in key areas of public administration reform: strategic framework of public administration reform, its roadmap, including the program to reform the public finance management, human resources management, policy development and coordination, service delivery as well as accountability and transparency of public institutions were the topics discussed at the 14th meeting of the Public Administration Reform Special Group between the European Union and Macedonia, held for the first time in Brussels.

In his opening speech, Minister of Public Administration Goran Minchev said public administration reform is one of the key pillars of the EU integration process also aimed institutional strengthening of the country.

“Public administration reform remains Macedonia’s key priority in both the EU integration process and in improving the functioning of national institutions. Our commitment is clear: professional administration, efficient institutions and services oriented toward citizens and businesses,” said Minchev.

Citing the latest findings from the European Commission report and SIGMA assessments, the minister called them a vital instrument in defining reform activities.

“Macedonia is moving forward. The 2025 European Commission report confirms our commitment and visible progress in public administration reform. Compared to previous reports, it’s clear that the progress is concrete and measured,” he stated.

The country’s European perspective, Minchev noted, is built on democratic values and with clear respect toward national identity, language, culture and historical continuity of the Macedonian state.  

“We’ve been building our European perspective in parallel with preserving the national identity, the Macedonian language and cultural and historical continuity of Macedonia. These values have been deeply rooted in our democratic governance and are part of the process for institutional strengthening and development,” concluded the minister saying the country’s democratic foundation is being reinforced through strong, professional and accountable institutions.

The Ministry of Public Administration remains strongly committed to consistent implementation of ongoing reforms and to delivering concrete results in the interest of the citizens and the business community.

The meeting of the Public Administration Reform Special Group is a vital mechanism to monitor Macedonia’s progress in this area and to coordinate reform activities with EU institutions.

Photo: Ministry of Public Administration