North Macedonia strengthens public fund oversight and audit systems

North Macedonian Minister of Finance Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoška has announced new measures to strengthen the oversight and control of public funds. The initiative focuses on two primary steps: enhancing cooperation between the Ministry of Finance and the State Audit Office through a signed memorandum, and establishing a national examination and certification system for internal auditors within the public sector.

The memorandum aims to create a more robust institutional foundation for protecting public resources by improving coordination, data exchange, and the application of European standards to prevent fraud and corruption. Additionally, the introduction of a national certification for internal auditors is intended to professionalize the sector and ensure that public funds are managed legally, efficiently, and responsibly. These reforms are part of broader efforts to align the country's financial control systems with European standards and requirements under Chapter 32 of the EU accession process.