UNOPS focused on supporting North Macedonia’s progress in Cluster 1 Fundamentals – a cornerstone of its EU accession process – with focus on good governance, judicial independence, public sector accountability, anti-corruption and human rights. The UNOPS expert supported the Government of North Macedonia in developing procedural documents to formulate negotiation positions. Additionally, the work focused on building the capacity of the Secretariat for European Affairs (SEA) through training and on-the-job support, empowering it to effectively coordinate the negotiation process.

The UNOPS advisor started by developing clear, structured guidelines and templates to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Government of North Macedonia, particularly the Secretariat for European Affairs (SEA). These tools provided a roadmap for preparing negotiation positions and helping institutions navigate the complex requirements of EU accession with greater efficiency and precision.

Next, the K4R programme operationalized these guidelines and templates, ensuring they were integrated into the daily work of SEA coordinators. By providing hands-on training and on-the-job support, the K4R expert empowered the SEA team to use these tools effectively, laying the groundwork for improved alignment with EU standards.

This step not only enhanced the negotiation process, but it also built the SEA’s capacity to manage ongoing reforms.

The development of guidelines, templates and roadmaps has significantly enhanced North Macedonia’s capacity to manage its EU accession process. By equipping the Secretariat for European Affairs (SEA) with structured tools, UNOPS has strengthened institutional readiness to align negotiation positions with EU standards, ensuring that reforms are effectively implemented. Alignment with EU standards in this regard translates into stronger and transparent institutions, better public services, more equitable access to resources and long-term stability.

“The opportunity that the joint cooperation between the Government of North Macedonia and UNOPS has brought by offering the necessary expertise for the work on the enlargement and negotiations in the crucial months of post-screening presents an invaluable contribution to the successful path of the country in the accession talks. Besides, through our joint work, I have managed to contribute to the preparation for the first negotiation position in the same cluster. All this has offered mutual benefits and created a positive momentum for the European integration of the country.” – Senior Advisor on negotiation position preparation, UNOPS K4R Programme

The assignment contributes to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by strengthening governance, judicial independence and public administration in North Macedonia, supporting human rights and long-term stability.