Macedonia’s overdue and unpaid domestic obligations have climbed to almost €700 million, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Finance, highlighting growing financial pressure on state institutions, municipalities and publicly controlled companies. At the end of June 2026, total overdue and unpaid obligations reached €692.5 million, an increase of around €26.4 million compared with the end of December 2025. The amount also rose by approximately €17.5 million compared with the previous quarter, showing that the backlog of unpaid obligations continues to grow. The figure is separate from Macedonia’s total public debt because it represents obligations that have already become due but remain unpaid.
The largest share of the obligations is owed to the public sector, where overdue payments reached approximately €344.5 million, an increase of around €15 million during the first six months of the year. Another major portion is owed to the private sector, citizens’ associations and nonprofit organizations, with unpaid claims reaching approximately €315.2 million by the end of June. That represents an increase of more than €20 million compared with December 2025. Meanwhile, obligations toward individuals and foreign entities declined. The state owed just over €3 million to individuals, while obligations toward foreign entities fell to approximately €29.8 million.
State controlled companies account for some of the largest individual amounts. The two national railway companies are at the top of the latest list, with their combined overdue obligations exceeding €171 million. MŽ Infrastructure has approximately €91.4 million in overdue and unpaid obligations, while MŽ Transport owes nearly €79.9 million. The health sector also features prominently, with a public institution providing joint services for healthcare institutions carrying almost €35 million in overdue obligations. State energy companies remain among the largest debtors as well, with ESM Production owing approximately €33.8 million and ESM Distribution nearly €29.7 million. The latest list includes 903 institutions and organizations, ranging from public companies and municipalities to schools, hospitals, universities and state institutions.
The growing backlog could create additional pressure for businesses and organizations that depend on payments from public institutions, particularly smaller companies that may struggle with delayed cash flow. It also comes as the government faces significant financing and repayment requirements, including a €700 million Eurobond repayment scheduled for 2026. With overdue domestic obligations now standing at €692.5 million, the next quarterly report will be closely watched to determine whether authorities can reduce the accumulated backlog or whether unpaid obligations will cross the €700 million threshold. The latest figures underline the importance of stronger payment management and control of public liabilities as Macedonia continues to deal with broader fiscal pressures.
