News
10/22/2021 12:02
“We Need Focus and Action to Use Our Previous Experience as a Catalyst for Movement”
Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European Affairs Nikola Dimitrov today, with DG NEAR Michela Matuella in charge of North Macedonia and Albania in the European Commission, co-chaired the annual meeting of the Joint Monitoring Committee as the highest body related to the IPA funds’ utilization.
For the purpose of reviewing the implementation of funds allocated through IPA, Deputy Prime Minister Dimitrov stressed that the findings of the EC Report on North Macedonia would be used as a reference point to streamline and manage the reforms arising from the EU Agenda so that we can ensure the EU standards for our citizens through EU funds.
Dimitrov: “We need focus and action to use our previous experience and challenges as a catalyst to create a clearer picture of our next steps and move forward decisively. A sincere partner approach and improved coordination in IPA implementation are key prerequisites for achieving our shared goals.”
In addition to the overview of IPA general implementation, specific projects were also discussed at the meeting, while putting a special emphasis on areas such as environmental protection and transport infrastructure that require significant investment, as well as regional policies and coordination of structural instruments within Chapter 22.
Given the need for an established institutional framework and adequate administrative capacity for programming, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of funds, the efforts to improve the IPA structure within national institutions were underscored. At the same time, the functioning of sectoral monitoring committees as inclusive mechanisms for guidance of policies and programs at the sectoral level was considered.
The sixth sequential meeting was attended by representatives of state institutions implementing IPA funds, representatives of the EU Delegation, representatives of sectoral working groups and donors active in the country, as well as civil society organizations. The European Commission representatives welcomed the commitment to adequate utilization of IPA funds in order to attain substantial reforms in the interest of citizens.
Joint conclusions that will contribute to overcoming the challenges and open issues were adopted, where the Secretariat for European Affairs will regularly monitor the implementation of these conclusions and recommendations within the set timelines.