VII International Conference “Quality and Competence” was held from 15 to 17 October 2026 in Ohrid, North Macedonia. The conference was organised by MAKLAB – the Macedonian Association of Laboratories, in cooperation with IARNM – the Institute for Accreditation of the Republic of North Macedonia.

MAKLAB brings together laboratories and other conformity assessment bodies operating in various fields in North Macedonia. The event gathered 85 participants from different countries across the region, and a total of 18 technical and scientific papers were presented during the conference. In addition to representatives of MAKLAB and various laboratories, the conference was attended by representatives of other national laboratory associations, including CROLAB from Croatia and TURKLAB from Türkiye, as well as the President of EUROLAB – the European Federation of National Associations of Measurement, Testing and Analytical Laboratories – and representatives of national accreditation bodies from the region. This diverse participation contributed to the exchange of knowledge and experience and strengthened regional and European cooperation in the fields of quality, laboratory activities and accreditation.

During the conference, EUROLAB President Dr Andreas Kinzel confirmed that MAKLAB had officially been admitted as a full member. This achievement also recognises the 15 years of work carried out by MAKLAB under the leadership of its President, MSc Magdalena Trajkovska Trpevska.

Representatives of the Institute of Metrology of Bosnia and Herzegovina participated in the conference and presented a paper entitled “New Challenges for Inspection Bodies Operating in the Field of Legal Metrology in Accordance with EN ISO/IEC 17020:2026”.The revised standard introduces risk-based thinking and stronger performance-based requirements, encouraging a systematic approach to managing risks related to impartiality, confidentiality, and reliability of inspection results.

The topic presented is particularly relevant to countries applying a decentralised system of legal metrology, as well as to other inspection bodies implementing this standard. Current challenges faced by inspection bodies further highlight the importance of continuously enhancing competence, improving the quality of work and ensuring compliance with the requirements of relevant standards.

The conference took place in a highly successful atmosphere, featuring a range of valuable technical discussions, an exchange of experience and consideration of current issues relevant to the further development of laboratory activities, accreditation and metrology.

Participation in such international events makes a significant contribution to enhancing professional competence, strengthening international cooperation, and keeping abreast of the latest developments in the fields of quality and metrology.