The Twinning Project “Strengthening the National Phytosanitary System” (MK 24 IPA AG 01 24) was officially launched on 18 March 2026 in Skopje, marking an important step forward in strengthening North Macedonia’s agricultural and plant health framework. The event gathered representatives of key national institutions, European Union Member States involved in the project, and the Delegation of the European Union.
The project brings together the Italian Republic as the lead partner, alongside the Hellenic Republic (Greece) and the Republic of Croatia as junior partners. The beneficiary institution is the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy of North Macedonia, while the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFCA) supports the implementation of the project on behalf of the Croatian partners.
Focused on strengthening the national phytosanitary system, the project aims to enhance the legislative framework, build administrative capacities, and align national standards with the EU acquis. Ultimately, these efforts will contribute to safer agricultural production, improved plant protection, and smoother trade flows.
The kick-off meeting was opened by Mr. Gianluca Governatori, Resident Twinning Adviser (RTA), who presented the project’s objectives, expected results, and key challenges, setting the tone for the collaboration ahead.
High-level representatives from national institutions and the diplomatic community addressed the audience, including the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy of North Macedonia, a representative of the European Union Delegation, and ambassadors of participating Member States. Among them, Ms. Nives Tiganj, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia, emphasized the importance of international cooperation and knowledge sharing in strengthening phytosanitary systems, reaffirming Croatia’s strong support for the project.
Project leaders also took the floor, including Mr. Igor Conevski representing the beneficiary country, Mr. Bruno Caio Faraglia as Project Leader from Italy, as well as project leaders from partner institutions in Greece and Croatia. Mr. Ivica Delić, Project Leader on behalf of the Republic of Croatia, highlighted Croatia’s contribution and underlined the importance of close cooperation and continuous exchange of expertise among partners to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
The launch event underscored a shared commitment to strengthening institutional capacities and fostering collaboration, laying a solid foundation for the successful delivery of project results in the period ahead.
