Overview

Regional integration efforts such as the accession process of the European Union can help drive reforms in business regulation. This has been the case in FYR Macedonia, which launched a comprehensive reform agenda after applying for EU membership. FYR Macedonia signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union in April 2001 and received candidate country status in November 2005. Its reform agenda has been driven largely by requirements to ensure that the country’s laws are in line with the EU legal framework (acquis) and to fulfill certain macroeconomic criteria. Equally important has been the desire to attract investment and develop business activity to create jobs and achieve economic growth. Since 2004 the parliament has made important changes to legislation, including business regulations.