Skopje, 11 May 2026 (MIA) — Croatia will provide expert guidance to help the country modernize its customs system and accelerate its entry into the European Union, the Customs Administration said in a press release Monday. 

Issued after a meeting between Customs Administration head Boban Nikolovski, Minister of Finance Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska and Croatian Customs Administration director Mario Demirović, the release said Croatia would provide technical expertise related to the EU's customs reforms. 

According to Nikolovski, the Croatian experts will share their experiences with the Customs Administration to help implement the new customs law currently in the works as well as a tracking system for tobacco products. The cooperation also aims to tackle the grey economy through better sharing of information and improved operational mechanisms.

"In addition to our experiences in applying best practices in reforms related to ​​the Customs Union, which is the basis of European integration processes, we will also offer support to the Macedonian economy," Demirović is quoted as saying in the release. 

As evidence of the country's readiness for EU integration, Nikolovski said revenue collection through April increased by EUR 26.5 million compared to the same time last year. He also said authorities filed 69 criminal charges against 257 individuals and 77 businesses through April.

"The Customs Administration is among the top reformers improving the business conditions and the competitiveness of the Macedonian economy," he said. 

Dimitrievska Kochoska highlighted the importance of the Croatian support for aligning Macedonian customs with EU standards. She said the Ministry of Finance was focused on modernizing systems to increase transparency and revenue collection.

"We appreciate the Republic of Croatia’s willingness to share its experiences and good practices, considering its important experience in the EU integration process and in implementing European standards in customs operations," she said. mr/