LocationsInterview with the Minister of Finance of the Slovak Republic Ladislav Kamenický
Kamenický: UNDP provides a strong platform for Slovakia to support North Macedonia on its path to the EU
February 27, 2026
UNDP North Macedonia:
My first question concerns Slovakia’s contribution to the design and implementation of North Macedonia’s National Development Strategy. What lessons from Slovakia’s own development experience are being shared, especially considering that this is the first time such a comprehensive national strategy in North Macedonia has received cross-party parliamentary support and is progressing successfully?
Minister Kamenický:
First of all, Slovakia and North Macedonia are both relatively small countries. Slovakia is one of the smaller Member States of the European Union. We represent about 1% of the EU’s total GDP and have 5.5 million inhabitants, compared to the EU’s 450 million people. North Macedonia, with approximately 1.8 million inhabitants, is roughly one-third the size of Slovakia. This similarity allows us to better understand each other’s structural and economic challenges.
Slovakia has been a member of the European Union since 2004, and we support North Macedonia’s aspiration to join the EU. Of course, accession requires further reforms and alignment with EU standards. UNDP provides an excellent platform through which Slovakia can support North Macedonia in this process. As Minister of Finance, I would particularly highlight our cooperation in public finance and public administration reform.
During my visit, I met with North Macedonia’s Minister of Finance and discussed several projects that Slovakia has supported, especially in strengthening public finance systems. We have helped build audit expertise and shared our practical experience from EU integration. It is encouraging that North Macedonia has already implemented several EU directives. This is important, as it ensures that the country will not need to redesign entire systems later.
A long-term national strategy is crucial. Governments change, this is true in Slovakia as well, but a country needs continuity and consensus about where it wants to be in 10, 20, or even more years. Slovakia is currently preparing a new national strategy until 2040. Such strategies must be supported not only by the ruling coalition but also by opposition parties, so that future governments continue implementing them. That broad political consensus is essential for sustainable development.
Slovakia has been particularly active in combating tax evasion. We discussed digital reforms such as the virtual cash register system implemented in Slovakia, which we can share as good practice. We are also introducing QR code payments, allowing entrepreneurs to avoid high card transaction fees, often around 1.5% for Visa or MasterCard payments, by paying either nothing or a minimal fee.
Additionally, Slovakia has implemented an e-invoicing system that strengthens tax collection and reduces opportunities for evasion. We also discussed cooperation with municipalities. Through UNDP, we supported two municipalities in North Macedonia. For example, in Sveti Nikole, tax collection reportedly increased by 250 % after implementing improved systems. This demonstrates the significant potential of reform. However, since Skopje represents nearly half of the country’s economic activity, expanding such initiatives to other cities is also important.
At the same time, improved tax collection must be accompanied by visible public services. Citizens need to see that the taxes they pay are returned to them through tangible benefits in their communities. Otherwise, public trust and support cannot be sustained. This is of utmost importance.
UNDP North Macedonia:
Slovakia has a long-standing partnership with UNDP. What makes this collaboration particularly effective compared to other donor approaches?
Minister Kamenický:
As your UNDP Resident Representative mentioned, it is not always about the volume of funding, but about the impact and efficiency of how that funding is used. Often, technical support and knowledge transfer can bring greater long-term benefits than large infrastructure projects.
We see this within the European Union as well. Slovakia receives EU cohesion funds, and while some large projects are beneficial, sometimes smaller, well-designed interventions deliver even greater impact relative to cost. Efficiency and effectiveness are key.
Since 2018, Slovakia has provided €2.3 million in direct support to North Macedonia. In addition, we have regional projects from which North Macedonia also benefits. What matters most to us is that this funding is used efficiently and produces measurable reform outcomes.
From the information provided by UNDP colleagues here, the efficiency and impact of Slovak-supported projects in North Macedonia are very high. This gives us confidence that our assistance directly supports reforms and delivers really financial and institutional benefits to the country.
UNDP North Macedonia:
How do public finance reforms and digital services contribute to North Macedonia’s EU accession process?
Minister Kamenický:
EU membership requires alignment with common European standards and systems. Many EU processes, especially in customs, taxation, and auditing, are digitally interconnected across Member States.
For example, customs duties are collected under a common EU framework. In Slovakia, 25% of collected tariffs remain in our national budget, while 75% goes directly to the EU budget. This requires strong digital systems and reliable data exchange.
Digital connectivity is essential, particularly in customs and tax administration. If countries are not digitally aligned, integration becomes much more complicated.
Audit systems are also critical. When EU funds are received, national auditors must verify that resources are spent efficiently and without corruption. Only after proper verification does the country receive reimbursement from the EU budget.
By sending Slovak audit experts to North Macedonia, we help align procedures with EU standards. This ensures that when North Macedonia joins the EU, it will already have systems in place and will not need to introduce major adjustments.
The more reforms are implemented now, especially in public finance, digitalization, and auditing, the closer North Macedonia moves toward full EU integration.
