The opposition warns that the revelations could jeopardize the country’s access to €128 million in EU funds, essential for modernizing agriculture
North Macedonia’s government is grappling with a deepening crisis after a major corruption scandal erupted at the Agency for financial support of agriculture and rural development (AFSARD).
The opposition Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) has warned that the revelations could jeopardize the country’s access to €128 million in EU funds under the IPARD-3 program, essential for modernizing agriculture and supporting rural areas.
Arrests and allegations
AFSARD Director Ilija Stoilev was arrested for accepting €400 as the “first installment” of a €50,000 bribe to approve funding for SIGNAS-AGRO, a company owned by businessman Dzevdet Nasufi that allegedly failed to meet eligibility criteria.
Four others face charges, including a former minister, a tax inspector, and a Ministry of agriculture employee, accused of exerting unlawful influence.
Nasufi, a former minister of justice and local self-government under Prime Minister Ljupco Georgievski, is alleged to have orchestrated the bribe.
The Office for combating organised crime and corruption alleges the payment was intended to secure IPARD funds for the ineligible firm. Stoilev’s arrest followed a sting operation where he was caught receiving the initial €400.
Opposition warns of devastating EU repercussions
SDSM deputy president and MP Ljupco Nikolovski, a former minister of agriculture, has sounded the alarm on the scandal’s broader implications.
“€128 million from the entire seven-year program are at risk – money that was supposed to drive our agriculture,” he said.
“This means no new calls for applications, no new contracts, and no payments for ongoing projects. Thousands of farmers and agribusinesses who planned investments around these funds now face uncertainty, risk, and potential losses.”
Nikolovski highlighted North Macedonia’s past success with IPARD-2, which fully absorbed funds through 2,369 completed projects, positioning the country as a regional leader.
He claimed Brussels is already discussing a possible “freeze” of IPARD-3, undermining the credibility of EU fund management. The SDSM accuses the ruling VMRO-DPMNE of allowing “systematic party networks” to grip institutions, with direct fallout for EU cooperation.
A potential suspension would block new applications, halt contract signings, and delay or stop disbursements for existing projects, hitting small farmers and agri-food enterprises hardest.
Government rejects claims, vows thorough investigation
Minister of agriculture, forestry and water economy Cvetan Tripunovski dismissed threats to EU or national funds, insisting AFSARD remains an accredited body with normal operations.
“The government is demonstrating a non-selective fight against corruption and abuse of office,” he said on Saturday. “This was not the case in the past, where the previous government covered up crimes – often pretending under public pressure rather than taking real action.”
Tripunovski called for a full investigation: “I encourage competent institutions to probe the entire case to prevent future abuses. I urge citizens and businesses to report any clues of deviant or illegal actions.”
He rejected SDSM demands for his resignation, emphasizing AFSARD’s independence: “The agency has separate management and a governing body that operates according to its own plan. I see no connection, so let the investigation conclude and assign responsibility per the law.”
Prime Minister and VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski distanced his party from the scandal, stating “no deviant behavior will be tolerated” and urging reports of corruption.
