Skopje, 22.10.2025
The European Commission, in its latest report on the implementation of the Growth Plan, confirmed that North Macedonia, through the Ministry of Economy and Labor, has fully and successfully implemented reform measure 4.1.1 - "Tackling the Informal Economy in support of the Strategy for the Formalization of the Informal Economy".
The aim of the measure is to promote the formal economy by intensifying inspection supervision and applying a risk-based approach, with a focus on the sectors most susceptible to informal activities, construction, tourism and agriculture.
According to the European Commission's assessment, the country has far exceeded the set targets for increasing the number of inspections and supervision results within the framework of this reform with a total value of approximately EUR2.5 million, aimed at strengthening institutions, digitalizing inspection services and strengthening the formal economy.
The State Labor Inspectorate (SLI) conducted 16,464 inspections in the period July 2024 – June 2025, which represents a 242% increase compared to the target of a 20% increase compared to the 2020–2023 average.
Thereat, 543 unregistered workers were discovered which presents increase of over 200% compared to previous years.
The State Market Inspectorate (SMI) carried out 669 inspections, which is 40% more than the target value, during which 222 administrative decisions were issued, and 18 unregistered economic operators were closed for non-compliance with the laws.
These achievements are the result of implementing a risk-based approach to planning inspection activities, with priority given to the sectors most affected by the informal economy – construction, tourism and agriculture. Both institutions apply risk management methodologies and actively use digital tools to improve the effectiveness and transparency of their operations.
The European Commission emphasizes in its assessment that North Macedonia has implemented the reform "fully and successfully", without any identified double financing and in full compliance with European standards.
This recognition from the European Commission is a confirmation of the serious work of the institutions and the concrete results that benefit both citizens and businesses. Tackling the shadow economy is one of the key priorities of the Government and the Ministry of Economy and Labor – together with European partners we will continue to build a sustainable, competitive and formal economy.