7th October 2026, Skopje - One year after the Republic of Macedonia joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), citizens and businesses are already benefiting from faster, simpler and more efficient euro payments.
Joining SEPA marked a major reform of the payments system, bringing the country's legal and institutional framework into line with European standards. Following its implementation by the National Bank and the banking sector, the reform is now translating into tangible benefits for citizens and businesses.
“A year ago, we took an important step towards aligning our payments system with European standards. Today, citizens and businesses have access to faster, simpler and more efficient euro payments. Ministry of Finance introduced the key reform that resulted in the Republic of Macedonia joining SEPA, paving the way for its implementation by the National Bank and commercial banks.
SEPA shows that reforms are not merely legislative changes, but measures that bring tangible benefits to citizens and businesses,” Minister of Finance, Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska wrote on Facebook.
Macedonia’s accession to SEPA allows citizens and businesses to make cross-border euro payments under the same rules and standards as those applied throughout the Single Euro Payments Area. This contributes to faster, safer and more efficient transactions, as well as lower costs associated with cross-border payments.
The benefits are particularly significant for businesses, as more efficient cross-border payments streamline business operations with European partners, boost liquidity and reduce transaction costs.
A key step in implementing the reform was the adoption of the Law on Payment Services and Payment Systems, prepared by the Ministry of Finance and proposed by the Government, along with the adoption of the relevant bylaws by the National Bank.
The request for accession to SEPA was submitted on 10th July 2024, and on 6th March 2025, the European Payments Council approved Macedonia’s application for joining SEPA. This also paved the way for domestic banks to join the payment schemes through which euro payments are processed.
SEPA is a payments area comprising 41 European countries.
One year on, SEPA stands as a clear example that reforms deliver tangible results and immediate benefits for citizens and businesses. Ministry of Finance remains committed to implementing reforms aimed at aligning with European standards and creating a more conducive environment for citizens and businesses.
