State Audit Office uncovers violations and shortcomings in EMV procurement

A considerable portion of the public procurement carried out by the joint-stock company EMV – Skopje was marred by shortcomings and irregularities, according to a report by the State Audit Office. The problems were identified during the planning, development and implementation stages of the procedures.

Auditors found cases in which the goods and services purchased were either not used or not fully delivered. A total of 2,29 million euros (141,6 million denars) was spent on an additive, most of which remained unused and expired.

Another case involved the purchase of a gas engine, for which 2,48 million euros (153,2 million denars) was paid. The contract was concluded through a negotiated procedure without publication of a notice, on the grounds of extreme urgency, but the engine remained in storage for a long period and was not put into operation because the basic conditions for its installation had not been created.

The State Audit Office also announced that 1,72 million euros (106,2 million denars) had been paid to relocate equipment that was never used. Meanwhile, more than 70 percent of the value of contracts signed during 2024 was concentrated among just six economic operators, while only one bid was submitted in many procedures.

The report also identifies technical specifications drawn up in a way that favored a particular brand or an authorized manufacturer. Cases were also found in which certificate documents (attestations) were not accepted, as well as an تجاوز of the legal threshold of over 81 thousand euros for procurements carried out without a procedure.

According to the auditors, in some procedures there was no complete and detailed verification of the evidence demonstrating compliance with the requirements. For some goods and services delivered, the relevant technical documents, certificates (attestations) and other reliable evidence were missing.

To improve the situation, the State Audit Office sent EMV several recommendations. Their aim is to ensure that public resources are used more quickly, economically and transparently, and in accordance with the law./Shenja/