Macedonia rarely ends up at the head of international organisations, so when it does, it's worth noting. The Public Revenue Office (UJP) has taken over the one-year chairmanship of the Intra-European Organisation of Tax Administrations (IOTA).

The handover took place at a formal ceremony during the organisation's 30th General Assembly, held in Budapest. With it, over the coming year Macedonia will lead the cooperation among Europe's tax administrations - a body that brings together dozens of countries to swap experience, standards and the fight against tax fraud.

The recognition isn't symbolic. IOTA is a space where practices get agreed that later flow into domestic tax policy - from digitalising collection to fighting the grey economy. The Macedonian tax authority at the head of that table means a place where our voice is heard, instead of merely adapting to other people's decisions.

Of course, the chairmanship is also a test. Getting the post is one thing; having it deliver concrete benefit - better collection, fewer tax loopholes, a more efficient administration at home - is another. If the year heading IOTA translates into real reforms inside the UJP, that's news worth celebrating. If it stays just a ceremony in Budapest, it'll be one more title for the drawer.