Macedonia has made a significant breakthrough regarding internal financial control, however more concrete implementation is needed in order Macedonia to reach the level of those countries in the region that are EU members, Deputy PM and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski told Wednesday’s conference on internal financial control.

At the conference, where a strategy on internal financial control for the next three years was presented, Stavreski said a lot had been done recently, i.e. a legal and institutional framework had been introduced. Also, the number of internal audit units had risen six-fold, i.e. there are 150 units at central and local level after only 24 units existed previously. Nearly 70% of the institutions at local and central level have set up independent units for financial affairs in accordance with the Law on Public Internal Financial Control.

“Last year, a financial inspection was established at the Ministry of Finances, which is yet another segment in the activities conducted to improve the management of public finances. I believe the ultimate objective will be met with the enthusiasm and quality of the financial inspection enabling Macedonia to set an example for good management of public funds,” said Stavreski.

In order to achieve this, external control is of vital importance and the Parliament to adequately monitor the budget and its realization, according to him.

FinMin Stavreski urged all involved parties to join forces in a bid Macedonia to make progress and join the level of successful countries in the region.

The three-year strategy on internal financial control provides a framework of reforms set to be implemented in the coming period.