Audit reveals deep irregularities in the work of Macedonia’s Competition Commission

An audit by the State Audit Office (ESHA) has highlighted fundamental shortcomings in the functioning of the Commission for Protection of Competition during 2024, leading to a qualified opinion on the accuracy of its financial statements and the legal compliance of its operations.

The investigation covered four public procurement procedures with a combined value of 1.18 million denars. In the case of purchasing three mobile devices, the technical documentation specified characteristics directly linked to a particular brand. Meanwhile, in a contract for taxi transport services, bids were awarded points for cost and service standard, but without any explanation of the methodology for allocating these points.

According to ESHA’s findings, such practices narrowed the competitive space and paved the way for biased treatment of bidders.

Another significant shortcoming was the lack of a centralized register for all matters and sanctions imposed by the Commission, which increased the likelihood of premature collections and statute-barred obligations.

The check also found that the building, equipment, and cash register of the institution were uninsured. The daily attendance records for 2024 were not found at all, while those for 2025, although audited, did not reflect the presence of Commission members.

As part of the audit process, accounting adjustments worth 13.1 million denars were made to reflect the building where this body operates in its balance sheet. For most of 2024, the Commission functioned with fewer members than the full complement required by law.