North Macedonia joins the EU ISA² programme for digital public administrations and the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region

Today, the Commission and North Macedonia signed an agreement, granting the country access to the EU ISA² Programme to develop and share solutions for digital public administrations. Commissioner for Budget and Administration, Johannes Hahn, said: “It fills me with joy to be able to welcome North Macedonia to our programme for digital public administrations, an essential building block in connecting our societies. After last week’s endorsement of the opening of the EU accession negotiations with North Macedonia, this is a concrete achievement, showing our ever-closer links as we advance on the path to EU membership.” Due to the exceptional circumstances, the agreement was signed by Commissioner Hahn and the Minister of Information Society and Administration of North Macedonia, Damjan Mancevski, in a digital signature ceremony using video conference. The ISA² Programme is a €131 million initiative of the Commission aimed at simplifying administrative procedures all along Europe as well as supporting the development of interoperable digital public services that benefit businesses and citizens. More information is available here. In addition, North Macedonia joined the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), following the historical Prespa Agreement between Greece and North Macedonia and the approval of the Council and the Commission.The EUSAIR promotes economic growth and prosperity in the Region by improving its attractiveness, competitiveness and connectivity. It also aims at protecting the sea, coastal and inland environment and ecosystems. North Macedonia is the ninth participating country, joining Croatia, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia.