The European Union has suspended the IPARD 3 agricultural support programme in North Macedonia over alleged corruption linked to the former OBRM–PDUKM government, according to the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM). SDSM claims the suspension is a direct consequence of corrupt practices during the previous administration’s management of EU funds.
Inverted Pyramid of Triangle
The European Union has suspended the IPARD 3 agricultural support programme in North Macedonia, the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) has announced, citing corruption during the tenure of the former OBRM–PDUKM government as the main reason. As reported by journalist Blerta Fazliu of Koha Ditore, SDSM stated that the EU decision follows an investigation into misuse of funds under the previous administration, which has now led to the freezing of new allocations under the IPARD 3 scheme.
According to SDSM, the suspension affects new projects and disbursements under the IPARD 3 programme, which is part of the Instrument for Pre‑Accession Assistance (IPA) and supports rural development and agriculture in North Macedonia. The party stressed that the decision was taken by EU institutions after evidence of systemic corruption in the management of EU agricultural funds by the former OBRM–PDUKM-led government.
EU decision based on corruption findings
SDSM explained that the EU’s decision to suspend IPARD 3 stems from findings of corruption and irregularities in the implementation of previous IPARD programmes, particularly during the period when OBRM–PDUKM was in power. As reported by journalist Liridon Zeqiri of Insajderi, SDSM officials said that EU auditors identified serious shortcomings, including fictitious projects, inflated costs, and politically influenced selection of beneficiaries.
“During the OBRM–PDUKM government, there were numerous cases of misuse of EU funds in the agricultural sector, and now the EU has reacted by suspending IPARD 3,” an SDSM spokesperson told Insajderi.
“This is not a political decision, but a technical one based on audit findings and corruption indicators.”
The EU’s Instrument for Pre‑Accession Assistance (IPA) funds are conditional on good governance, rule of law, and proper financial management. When serious irregularities are detected, the European Commission can suspend or restrict funding in specific sectors until corrective measures are taken.
IPARD 3 programme and its importance
IPARD (Instrument for Pre‑Accession Assistance for Rural Development) is the EU’s main financial instrument for supporting agriculture and rural development in candidate and potential candidate countries, including North Macedonia. IPARD 3 is the latest phase of this support, designed to modernise farms, improve food safety, and strengthen rural economies.
As detailed by journalist Ana Petrova of Sloboden Pechat, IPARD 3 was expected to provide tens of millions of euros in grants and co‑financing for farmers, agri‑businesses, and rural infrastructure projects. The programme is implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, with oversight from EU institutions.
“IPARD 3 is crucial for small and medium farmers who rely on EU support to modernise equipment, build storage facilities, and meet EU standards,”
Petrova wrote.
“A suspension means delays in project approvals, uncertainty for beneficiaries, and a slowdown in rural development.”
SDSM’s explanation of the suspension
SDSM has framed the suspension as a direct consequence of corruption under the previous OBRM–PDUKM government, not as a reflection on the current administration. As reported by journalist Vlado Apostolov of Nova Makedonija, SDSM leaders said that the EU’s decision is based on audits and investigations into how earlier IPARD funds were managed.
“During the OBRM–PDUKM government, there were numerous cases where funds were misused, projects were fictitious, and beneficiaries were selected based on political loyalty rather than merit,”
an SDSM official told Nova Makedonija.
“The EU has now suspended IPARD 3 because of these systemic problems.”
SDSM stressed that the current government is cooperating fully with EU institutions to address the issues and restore the programme. The party said it is committed to transparency and the rule of law in the management of EU funds.
OBRM–PDUKM’s response
OBRM–PDUKM has rejected SDSM’s claims, calling them politically motivated. As reported by journalist Jovana Jovanovska of Makfax, OBRM–PDUKM officials said that the suspension is not solely due to corruption during their tenure, but also reflects broader administrative and technical challenges in implementing EU programmes.
“The IPARD programme has faced delays and implementation problems for years, not just during our government,”
a senior OBRM–PDUKM official told Makfax.
“To blame the suspension only on our administration is an oversimplification and serves a political narrative.”
OBRM–PDUKM also pointed out that many of the projects under earlier IPARD phases were approved and implemented in line with EU rules, and that any irregularities identified were being investigated by national and EU authorities.
EU institutions’ position
The European Commission has not issued a detailed public statement specifically naming OBRM–PDUKM as the cause of the IPARD 3 suspension, but it has confirmed that funding in certain sectors can be restricted when serious irregularities are found. As reported by journalist Elena Kostovska of Radio Free Europe, EU officials have repeatedly stressed that IPA funds are conditional on effective anti‑corruption measures and sound financial management.
“Where there are serious and systemic irregularities, the Commission can take measures, including suspending or restricting funding in specific areas,”
a Commission spokesperson told Radio Free Europe.
“The goal is to protect EU taxpayers’ money and ensure that funds are used properly.”
The Commission has also called on North Macedonia to strengthen its institutions, improve audit capacity, and ensure that investigations into misuse of EU funds are carried out independently and transparently.
Impact on farmers and rural communities
The suspension of IPARD 3 has immediate consequences for farmers and rural entrepreneurs who were expecting support. As reported by journalist Goran Stojkovski of Telma, many small and medium farmers have had their projects delayed or put on hold, creating uncertainty about investments in equipment, storage, and processing facilities.
“Farmers had planned their investments based on IPARD 3 support, and now they are left in limbo,”
Stojkovski wrote.
“Some have already taken loans or made deposits, and the suspension puts them under financial pressure.”
Agricultural associations have called on the government to clarify the situation and work with the EU to restore the programme as soon as possible. They warn that prolonged delays could harm competitiveness and slow down the alignment of North Macedonia’s agriculture with EU standards.
Government’s next steps
The current North Macedonian government has acknowledged the suspension and said it is taking steps to address the EU’s concerns. As reported by journalist Biljana Sekulovska of Vecer, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy is working with EU institutions to identify the specific issues that led to the suspension and to implement corrective measures.
“The government is committed to restoring IPARD 3 as quickly as possible,” a ministry official told Vecer.
“We are reviewing all procedures, strengthening controls, and cooperating with EU auditors to ensure that funds are managed transparently and in line with EU rules.”
The government has also pledged to support ongoing investigations into past misuse of EU funds and to hold accountable any individuals found responsible for corruption.
Broader implications for EU accession
The suspension of IPARD 3 comes at a sensitive time in North Macedonia’s EU accession process. As reported by journalist Zoran Jovanovski of Kurir MK, EU officials have repeatedly stressed that progress on the rule of law, anti‑corruption, and public administration reform is essential for advancing negotiations.
“North Macedonia’s ability to manage EU funds effectively is a key test of its readiness for membership,”
Jovanovski wrote.
“Suspensions like this one send a clear message that governance and integrity matter as much as political commitments.”
Analysts warn that repeated issues with IPA funds could slow down the pace of negotiations and affect the country’s credibility in Brussels. They urge all political actors to prioritise institutional reforms over short‑term political gains.
Reactions from civil society
Civil society organisations have welcomed the EU’s decision as a necessary step to protect public money, but they have also called for broader reforms. As reported by journalist Marija Ristevska of Metamorphosis Foundation, NGOs stressed that suspending funds is not enough; North Macedonia needs stronger anti‑corruption institutions, independent audits, and real accountability.
“The suspension should be an opportunity to clean up the system, not just a temporary fix,” a civil society representative told Metamorphosis Foundation.
“We need long‑term reforms that prevent misuse of EU funds, regardless of which party is in power.”
NGOs have also called for greater transparency in how EU funds are allocated and monitored, and for better support to small farmers who are often the most vulnerable when programmes are suspended.
What happens next?
The future of IPARD 3 depends on how quickly North Macedonia addresses the EU’s concerns. As reported by journalist Darko Janeski of Balkan Insight, EU officials are expected to review the situation in the coming months and decide whether to lift the suspension or impose additional conditions.
“North Macedonia will need to demonstrate concrete improvements in governance, audit capacity, and anti‑corruption enforcement,”
Janeski wrote.
“Only then can the EU feel confident that funds will be used properly.”
In the meantime, farmers and rural communities are left waiting for clarity, while political parties continue to debate responsibility for the current situation.
