7th May 2025, Skopje – Macedonia stands at a crossroads – facing challenges at home, yet with the prospect of EU membership on the horizon. Reform Agenda 2024 – 2027, also approved by the European Commission, outlines a clear plan for transforming the economy and the society, including specific reform criteria to be met and results to be delivered. Reforms are implemented not only for the sake of EU membership, but, above all, for the benefit of our citizens – better living standard, better quality services and stable economic future, Minister of Finance, Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska, said at the panel discussion titled “Where do we stand now and where do we aspire to be? Challenges at home and in Europe – path to a successful future”, held within the 28th Eurasian Economic Summit, taking place in Istanbul.
“The last few years have been shaped by overlapping crises – the pandemic, the energy crisis, the price shocks – all of which called for a strong fiscal response. The Government undertook measures to protect both the citizens and the economy, which brought about increased budget expenditures. Now, when the toughest times are behind us, our priority is the fiscal consolidation – gradually reducing the deficit and the debt so as to ensure long-term sustainability. The goal is to ensure that debt does not jeopardize the stability of the economy, nor place a disproportionate burden on future generations. Thereby, what is crucial is for the fiscal consolidation to be implemented wisely – by keeping current expenditures in check, without cutting back on the capital investments that drive growth”, Dimitrieska-Kochoska said.
Underlining that the international financial partners recognize the Government’s efforts, the Minister indicated that the International Monetary Fund, during its latest mission, acknowledged our willingness to reduce the informal economy. As she said, the initial effects can already be seen – revenue collection at certain taxes has gradually improved this year, while as regards customs revenues, the focus is put on smuggling eradication, while also enhancing custom controls, especially with reference to excise goods.
During the panel discussion, the Minister underlined that the country’s strategic objective is full-fledged EU membership, striving for reaching the European standards. “Ministry of Finance, in cooperation with other Ministries, is fully committed to improving the standards in line with the EU criteria and successfully closing these chapters in the negotiating process. All reforms are central to the accession criteria. We are on the right track, needing to expedite and be decisive in our actions. The good news is that we are not “stuck” in any sphere, but rather we do have plans and ongoing activities to address the recommendations in all areas”, Minister Dimitrieska-Kochoska pointed out.
Government’s vision, as she emphasized, is for Macedonia to become a modern European state with a stable economy, enhanced public services, and a higher standard of living for all its citizens, expecting dedication, expertise and unity as regards the strategic objectives to achieve this.
The Minister also took part in the Summit’s Opening Ceremony, emphasizing that by fostering joint ideas, initiatives and cooperation, we could address the challenges lying ahead for all of us. She underlined that mutual support is of great significance, further noting that Macedonia and Türkiye maintain friendly relationship.
While in Türkiye, the Minister Dimitrieska-Kochosk met with the Minister of Treasury and Finance, Mehmet Şimşek, and the Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat, the meetings taking place in Ankara.
