Programming and implementation of IPA in the Republic of Macedonia
Programming and implementation of IPA in the Republic of Macedonia

Summary/Abstract: This paper aims to provide an overview of the programming and implementation of EU Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) in the Republic of Macedonia, as well as discussion about challenges and opportunities with regards to introduction of sector-based approach under IPA II. The main hypothesis of the paper is that IPA II sector approach is not likely to provoke significant differences into the programming of the assistance, compared to IPA I, while implementation would be more challenging. This particularly refers to introduction of multi annual budget framework in the country and capacity building of the IPA Operational Structure for sound strategic planning and project implementation. The paper has been elaborated mostly by use of methods of analysis and synthesis, based on extensive processing of data and consultation of relevant literature. The paper provides an overview of the process of programming and implementation of IPA I (2007-2013) and IPA II (2014-2020). In this context, the IPA I has been analysed in the context of programming per Components, as well as introduction of sector classification in its latest programming period 2011-2013. Furthermore, there has been an overview of the available data for the implementation of the IPA I. The discussion has been related to the problems of implementation, largely attributable to the complexity and longevity of the procedures, insufficient absorption capacity of the IPA Operational Structure, as well as necessity for improvement of the performance measurement of the IPA projects. Furthermore, the paper focus on programming process for IPA II, primarily on the criteria for introduction of sector approach and comparison to the programming process of IPA I. The major finding of the paper is that programming under sector approach under IPA II would not differ essentially compared to the programming of IPA I for the period 2011-2013. The genuine challenges could be located with regards to implementation of IPA II, which are rather similar to the problems identified for IPA I, with addition to the shift towards multi-annual budgeting. That is likely to be the most challenging for the Republic of Macedonia in the implementation of IPA II.

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