On 18 March 2020 the government declared a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, the government adopted the Regulation on the Implementation of the Administrative Proceedings Act During the State of Emergency, which affected the timeline of proceedings before the North Macedonian Competition Authority (NMCA).

The regulation has the following practical implications for the NMCA's operations:

  • Deadlines for performing administrative acts, terminating administrative proceedings and submitting appeals in administrative proceedings (except for public procurement procedures) were officially suspended as of 18 March 2020.
  • The NMCA's formal review deadlines do not currently apply.
  • According to the NMCA, the deadline for reviews which commenced before 24 March 2020 will be extended after the state of emergency by the number of days from the commencement date to 24 March 2020.
  • The so-called 'tacit approval' mechanism no longer applies.
  • The suspension obligation remains valid.
  • Delays are expected in the NMCA's review of submissions.
  • According to the latest NMCA information, no meetings will be held during the state of emergency. Therefore, no clearances will be issued during this period.