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North Macedonia joins SEPA: Easier and faster euro payments

by AI | 07.Mar 2025 | Europe in brief AI

Financial institutions from North Macedonia will begin joining SEPA in April 2025, with operational readiness of payment service providers scheduled for October 5, 2025.

Twenty EU countries are members of the common currency with Bulgaria aiming to join by 2026. Photo: Milena Staykova/BTA

Skopje – The Ministry of European Affairs today welcomed the decision of the European Payments Council (EPC) to expand the geographical scope of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), making North Macedonia a part of this significant European financial zone as of yesterday.

Membership in SEPA means easier, faster, and cheaper transactions for citizens and companies. Remittances from the EU will arrive faster and at lower costs, and businesses will have simplified payments in Europe. Additionally, membership will strengthen international confidence in North Macedonia’s financial sector and deepen trade relations with the European Economic Area.

– According to the EPC calendar, our financial institutions will begin joining SEPA in April 2025, and the operational readiness of payment service providers is scheduled for October 5, 2025. With this significant achievement, North Macedonia becomes part of the single European payment market, representing yet another concrete step by the Government towards European economic integration and improving financial services for citizens and companies. Joining SEPA is a tangible benefit from the Western Balkans Growth Plan in the context of accelerated integration, the Ministry of European Affairs announced. (March 7)