2nd September 2026, Skopje - The Government has adopted the Draft Law on Modifications and Amendments to the Law on Public Procurement, thus introducing a number of solutions aimed at modernizing the system, increasing the transparency, boosting the competition and ensuring more efficient use of public funds.
The amendments stem from the experiences gained in the implementation of the Public Procurement Law to date, the need for its adaptation to the prevailing economic circumstances, as well as from the reform priorities set out in the Reform Agenda and the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
One of the key elements of the proposed amendments is delivering on the commitments undertaken within the Reform Agenda. In this context, the proposed amendments provide for further improvement of the electronic marketplace for small-value procurement, with a view to expanding its use and promoting greater competition among economic operators. This measure forms part of the reform activities foreseen for 2026.
Additionally, the proposed amendments introduce mandatory application of the ‘best price over quality ratio’ criterion in selecting the most economically advantageous tender, constituting a key activity under the 2027 Reform Agenda. Thus, conditions are created for institutions to no longer automatically opt for the lowest price, but rather to assess the value, the quality and the long-term value for money as regards the tenders.
The proposed amendments also envisage a significant strengthening of the public procurement digitalization. The competences of the Public Procurement Bureau are being expanded in the area of using modern digital tools and solutions, aimed at efficient monitoring of procurement procedures, risk assessment, and prevention of potential abuse and corrupt practices. At the same time, a legal foundation is laid for setting up web services and automated data exchange with other institutions and relevant stakeholders.
Professionalization of the staff working in the field of public procurement also occupies a significant place in the proposed amendments. The former model of periodic re‑certification by re‑taking exams is replaced with a system of continuous professional development. Thus, public procurement officials are given the opportunity to continuously improve their knowledge and skills in keeping with the modern practices and the European standards.
The proposed legislative solutions form part of the broader efforts of the Ministry of Finance to put a modern, transparent and efficient public procurement system in place, aligned with the European standards and the country’s reform priorities, with the ultimate goal of ensuring more efficient use of public funds and improved services for citizens.
