GOPA PACE is thrilled to announce the extension of the EU-funded project “Support for Policy Reforms, Accession and Effectiveness” (SUPRAE) implemented in North Macedonia with an additional period of 12 months, until May 2027, following the signature of a crucial contract addendum. The project represents a milestone for the integration of North Macedonia in the European Union, as SUPRAE touches upon all the aspect of the country EU accession. The extension will mean further assistance to the main beneficiary, the Secretariat of European Affairs, and line ministries in:
1. Strengthening the Policy Dialogue and the upgrade of the Strategic Framework;
2. Assistance in the Accession Framework and alignment with the acquis;
3. Support in strengthening the financial management in accordance with IPA III Regulation and future structural funds, as well as assistance for the programming and implementation of EU Funds;
4. Strengthen communication and visibility on EU integration, the role of the Union in North Macedonia, and its achievements.
SUPRAE supports North Macedonia’s EU accession by strengthening strategic planning, enhancing policy dialogue, aligning with EU standards, managing EU funds, and increasing communication and visibility.
SUPRAE started in November 2022 with the objective to support the EU Accession of North Macedonia through the strengthening of the strategic planning, reporting and communication; the provision of assistance in the accession process through strategic, methodological, and operational framework; improvement of absorption capacity of EU Funds; and the increasing of EU’s communication and visibility.
The project works across four components to achieve the objectives (Sector Policy Reforms; EU Accession Process; EU Funds Management; and Communication and Visibility), with a very successful implementation pace.
For instance, SUPRAE collaborated with stakeholders like the EU, USAID, and UN Women to coordinate policy dialogue for Sector Working Groups (SWGs). In Q2 2023, eight SWGs addressed topics including public administration, local governance, financial management, energy, health, and transport.
At the same time, SUPRAE facilitated North Macedonia's EU accession by preparing roadmaps for democratic institutions and minority rights, and simulating negotiations for Chapter 22. It also developed procedures and methodologies for implementation.
SUPRAE also supported alignment with IPA III requirements, prepared procedural manuals, and organised IPA training workshops (for example, a self-assessment report for IPARD Measure 6 on rural infrastructure investments).
The project is implemented for the European Union in North Macedonia by a Consortium led by GOPA PACE in partnership with Stantec, WeGlobal and BSI.
