January 23, 2026
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North Macedonia’s MEMO power exchange starts work with BSP on intraday segment launch

North Macedonia’s National Electricity Market Operator – MEMO signed an agreement with the Slovenian BSP Energy Exchange for the provision of trading platforms and a clearing platform. The deal marked the start of work on the introduction of the intraday electricity market by mid-year. It is part of efforts toward North Macedonia’s integration into the single European electricity market.

North Macedonia’s National Electricity Market Operator – MEMO has selected Slovenia’s BSP Energy Exchange to provide trading platforms and a clearing platform for the day-ahead and intraday segments. Chief Executive Officer of MEMO Zoran Gjorgjievski signed the agreement today with Chairman of the Management Board of ADEX and CEO of BSP Anže Predovnik.

Their cooperation has been expanding since the launch of North Macedonia’s day-ahead power market on May 10, 2023. Through partnership, the intraday segment is expected to be established by mid-year, the officials noted.

Commitment to transparent, reliable, efficient market

MEMO pointed out that the deal is aimed at enhancing the functionality of the organized electricity market and preparing it for integration with the single European market.

“This agreement represents a continuation of the cooperation with BSP and EPEX SPOT, and an important step in the development of the Macedonian power exchange, as well as in strengthening its technical and institutional readiness for market integration with the European Union. Partnering with a renowned exchange such as BSP and EPEX SPOT, with whom we have already established cooperation based on trust and proven results, confirms our commitment to a transparent, reliable and efficient market,” Gjorgjievski stated.

The representatives of MEMO and BSP kicked off the preparations for the launch of the intraday segment

He added that following the signing, activities to establish the intraday market officially began at a kickoff meeting with BSP’s representatives. It is expected to become operational by the end of the second quarter of 2026, the CEO recalled.

“The establishment of the intraday market is of crucial importance for greater flexibility and efficiency in electricity trading, particularly in conditions of increased participation of renewable energy sources. It enables market participants to timely adjust their positions and significantly contributes to the reduction of imbalances,” Gjorgjievski said.

Predovnik: Strategically important step

MEMO and North Macedonia took a strategically important step, Predovnik underscored.

“The signing of the contract for the establishment of the intraday electricity market and the implementation of the project to be completed in Q2 2026 mark an important milestone in the country’s integration into the European electricity market. With clear and ambitious guidance, and the strong support of the responsible minister and the ministry, North Macedonia continues to make convincing progress on its path towards full integration into the European electricity market – recognized both in the region and across the EU. The high-performing MEMO and BSP / EPEX SPOT teams, together with the minister and the ministry’s support, provide a powerful and clear guarantee that North Macedonia will be among the first countries in the region to join the single European electricity market,” he said.

Direct benefit for market participants as well as energy stability

North Macedonian Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska attended the signing of the agreement.

Božinovska stressed the role of the intraday market in flexibility, use of renewables and risk reduction.

“With such concrete projects, we are building market stability, transparency and competitiveness. The ministry actively and continuously supports the institutional and technical readiness of market operators. Our goal is clear – a functional, secure, and European-aligned electricity market. The intraday market brings greater flexibility, improved management of renewable energy sources, and a reduction of systemic risks. This represents a direct benefit both for market participants and for the country’s overall energy stability,” Božinovska stated.

BSP Energy Exchange (BSP Southpool) is wholly owned by ADEX Group, created in a merger with its Serbian counterpart SEEPEX. In December 2024, ADEX completed a merger with the Hungarian Power Exchange (HUPX).

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January 23, 2026
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North Macedonia’s MEMO power exchange starts work with BSP on intraday segment launch

North Macedonia’s National Electricity Market Operator – MEMO signed an agreement with the Slovenian BSP Energy Exchange for the provision of trading platforms and a clearing platform. The deal marked the start of work on the introduction of the intraday electricity market by mid-year. It is part of efforts toward North Macedonia’s integration into the single European electricity market.

North Macedonia’s National Electricity Market Operator – MEMO has selected Slovenia’s BSP Energy Exchange to provide trading platforms and a clearing platform for the day-ahead and intraday segments. Chief Executive Officer of MEMO Zoran Gjorgjievski signed the agreement today with Chairman of the Management Board of ADEX and CEO of BSP Anže Predovnik.

Their cooperation has been expanding since the launch of North Macedonia’s day-ahead power market on May 10, 2023. Through partnership, the intraday segment is expected to be established by mid-year, the officials noted.

Commitment to transparent, reliable, efficient market

MEMO pointed out that the deal is aimed at enhancing the functionality of the organized electricity market and preparing it for integration with the single European market.

“This agreement represents a continuation of the cooperation with BSP and EPEX SPOT, and an important step in the development of the Macedonian power exchange, as well as in strengthening its technical and institutional readiness for market integration with the European Union. Partnering with a renowned exchange such as BSP and EPEX SPOT, with whom we have already established cooperation based on trust and proven results, confirms our commitment to a transparent, reliable and efficient market,” Gjorgjievski stated.

The representatives of MEMO and BSP kicked off the preparations for the launch of the intraday segment

He added that following the signing, activities to establish the intraday market officially began at a kickoff meeting with BSP’s representatives. It is expected to become operational by the end of the second quarter of 2026, the CEO recalled.

“The establishment of the intraday market is of crucial importance for greater flexibility and efficiency in electricity trading, particularly in conditions of increased participation of renewable energy sources. It enables market participants to timely adjust their positions and significantly contributes to the reduction of imbalances,” Gjorgjievski said.

Predovnik: Strategically important step

MEMO and North Macedonia took a strategically important step, Predovnik underscored.

“The signing of the contract for the establishment of the intraday electricity market and the implementation of the project to be completed in Q2 2026 mark an important milestone in the country’s integration into the European electricity market. With clear and ambitious guidance, and the strong support of the responsible minister and the ministry, North Macedonia continues to make convincing progress on its path towards full integration into the European electricity market – recognized both in the region and across the EU. The high-performing MEMO and BSP / EPEX SPOT teams, together with the minister and the ministry’s support, provide a powerful and clear guarantee that North Macedonia will be among the first countries in the region to join the single European electricity market,” he said.

Direct benefit for market participants as well as energy stability

North Macedonian Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska attended the signing of the agreement.

Božinovska stressed the role of the intraday market in flexibility, use of renewables and risk reduction.

“With such concrete projects, we are building market stability, transparency and competitiveness. The ministry actively and continuously supports the institutional and technical readiness of market operators. Our goal is clear – a functional, secure, and European-aligned electricity market. The intraday market brings greater flexibility, improved management of renewable energy sources, and a reduction of systemic risks. This represents a direct benefit both for market participants and for the country’s overall energy stability,” Božinovska stated.

BSP Energy Exchange (BSP Southpool) is wholly owned by ADEX Group, created in a merger with its Serbian counterpart SEEPEX. In December 2024, ADEX completed a merger with the Hungarian Power Exchange (HUPX).

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January 4, 2026
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Serbia, North Macedonia seek to build gas interconnector by end-2027

Serbia and North Macedonia aim to complete the construction of a gas interconnector in late 2027 and put it into operation in early 2028, Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović said following a meeting with North Macedonia’s Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska. The pipeline’s projected annual capacity is 1.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas.

Following the construction of the interconnector with Bulgaria, Serbia continues to diversify its supply routes, and the gas link with North Macedonia is a priority in that context, according to Đedović Handanović.

Serbia’s portion of the interconnector with North Macedonia will be 144 kilometers long and will cost an estimated EUR 153 million to build, she said. The plan is to obtain a construction permit in mid-2026 and launch works immediately afterward, she added.

Serbia’s portion of the pipeline will cost EUR 153 million

The planned route on Serbia’s territory is Orljane – Leskovac – Vranje – the North Macedonian border, according to her.

Đedović Handanović: Serbia’s goal is a fully diversified gas supply

“The capacity of the gas interconnector with Bulgaria is 1.8 billion cubic meters per year, and with the completion of the interconnector with North Macedonia, as well as the planned interconnector with Romania, whose capacity will be between 1.6 and 2.5 billion cubic meters, we will have a fully diversified gas supply within the next few years,” said Đedović Handanović.

serbia north macedonia gas pipeline interconnection djedovic bozinovska

Photo: Ministry of Mining and Energy/Nenad Kostić

The goal is to have as many supply options as possible, not to depend on a single supplier, and to ensure greater security and a better negotiating position in terms of prices and capacity, she added.

Božinovska, for her part, said the interconnector with Serbia would ensure new gas sources for North Macedonia and strengthen regional energy stability.

Božinovska: The gas link is one of the most important regional infrastructure projects

“This is also one of the most important regional infrastructure projects – important not only for North Macedonia and Serbia, but for all of Europe. With this new energy link, both countries will gain access to alternative sources and routes, and Europe will get a stronger and better connected Balkans,” Božinovska asserted.

The two countries have completed the necessary studies, agreed on the route, ensured the European Union’s support, and defined a clear implementation timeline, according to her.

Joint efforts to secure a postponement of CBAM

The meeting also addressed the coordinated approach to the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

According to Đedović Handanović, the two sides agreed to act jointly on this issue and to request a postponement of the mechanism’s implementation.

“Letters from all contracting parties to the Energy Community will be sent next week so that we can continue the dialogue with the European Commission, which is important not only for Serbia and North Macedonia, but also for the other contracting parties,” she said.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of North Macedonia covering part of Serbia’s demand for oil derivatives, primarily in the country’s south, the Serbian Ministry of Mining and Energy said in a statement.

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December 27, 2025
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North Macedonia’s ESM secures loans for investments in solar, hydro

North Macedonia’s power utility Elektrani na Severna Makedonija has secured EUR 97 million for the installation of the Bitola 3 solar power plant and revitalization of hydropower plants.

Elektrani na Severna Makedonija (ESM) said today it signed the contracts for a state guarantee and loans totaling EUR 97 million for two major energy projects.

This is an important step in strengthening North Macedonia’s energy transition, ESM added.

The company received EUR 87 million for the construction of the largest photovoltaic plant, Bitola 3. KfW allocated EUR 50 million, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development approved EUR 37 million.

The Hydropower Plants Revitalization Project is estimated at EUR 47.3 million

Another EUR 10 million from KfW will support the revitalization of ESM’s hydropower plants (HPPs), ESM explained.

According to the utility, the Hydropower Plants Revitalization Project, estimated at EUR 47.3 million and supported by a EUR 10 million EU grant, will increase annual hydropower generation by 50 GWh.

The agreements were signed by Minister of Finance Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska, EBRD representative Fatih Türkmenoğlu, KfW’s director for Kosovo* and North Macedonia Moritz Remé, and ESM CEO Lazo Uzunchev.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska.

Uzunčev: We will increase domestic renewable capacity by over 200 MW

“With these capital investments, together with ESM, we are strengthening domestic energy production, ensuring stable electricity supply, and fostering sustainable economic development,” Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska underscored.

According to ESM CEO Lazo Uzunčev, the company’s strategic goals are being implemented with strong momentum.

“With ongoing solar and wind projects, including Bitola 3, we will increase domestic renewable capacity by over 200 MW in the next two to three years, while reducing CO₂ emissions by more than 260,000 tons annually,” he stressed.

Petra Drexler, Ambassador of Germany to North Macedonia, recalled that over the last years, Germany and the EU have continuously supported North Macedonia on its path toward a sustainable and resilient energy future.

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* This designation is without prejudice to positions onstatus and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
December 27, 2025
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North Macedonia’s first annual construction plan for energy projects envisages EUR 1.4 billion in investments

The annual construction plan for energy projects for 2025 envisages the installation of power plants with a capacity of 1,265 MW, according to Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska.

North Macedonia has introduced an annual construction plan for the energy projects with the new Law on Energy, adopted this year. The goal is to bring order to the approval and construction of new power plants.

According to the new regulation, October 1 was the deadline for investors to submit the documentation for their projects for the first annual plan. The review of all documents is in the final phase, according to Božinovska.

The construction of the power plants from the annual plan represents investments of around EUR 1.4 billion, Sanja Božinovska stressed, local media reported.

Solar power plants in the plan have the largest capacity – 812 MW, followed by wind farms  with 426 MW, biomass power plants with 11 MW, and hydropower plants with 15 MW.

Investors have submitted applications for the construction of energy facilities with a capacity of 10,950 MW

She recalled that for the first time, requests were received for the installation of standalone batteries and ones that would be co-located with power plants. The capacity of the standalone battery systems is 675 MW, and of the co-located is 93 MW, Božinovska added.

North Macedonia has received requests for the construction of energy facilities with a total capacity of 10,950 MW.

Investors submitted photovoltaic projects with a capacity of 4,758 MW and wind farms with a capacity of 1,697 MW. Investors were also interested in building gas-fired power plants.

Requests were also submitted for standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a capacity of 2,573 MW and co-located with a capacity of 1,405 MW.

The annual plan should be adopted by January 31, 2026

Božinovska pointed out that 10,950 MW represents a large capacity. The transmission system operator (TSO) MEPSO will have to make a plan to strengthen the grid, she underlined.

The Government of North Macedonia should adopt the annual plan for the construction of energy facilities by January 31, 2026.

The minister recalled that the regulation for the construction of energy facilities has also been adopted. It precisely defines what every potential investor must submit, starting with a feasibility study, regardless of the type of facility, Bozinovska explained.

She said that the adoption of the law on renewable energy sources is expected in the first quarter of next year.

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November 17, 2025
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One megawatt per day: North Macedonia enjoys strong renewable energy growth

Over the past four years, North Macedonia has achieved strong growth in renewable energy sources. A total of 1,200 MW of capacity has been connected to the grid, marking a new phase of the country’s energy transition, according to Marko Bislimoski, President of the Energy, Water Services, and Municipal Waste Management Services Regulatory Commission of the Republic of North Macedonia (ERC or RKE).

According to ERC data, almost 1 MW of renewable capacity has been added to the grid every day over the past four years.

Between 2022 and October 2025, North Macedonia built 1,200 MW of renewable power generation capacity, Bislimoski said at the Regional Conference on Green Transformation of the Western Balkans, held in Tirana, Albania.

“Electricity generation from solar power has become a reality – the El Dorado of photovoltaic plants has heralded the country’s energy transition, initiating a transformation of the power sector. The figures are encouraging, but the period ahead will be full of challenges, among which is balancing the system, when it comes to renewable electricity generation,” Bislimoski said.

Solar power capacity has overtaken hydropower

At the recently held 14th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development (IFESD-14), Sanja Božinovska, Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, said that renewable energy sources account for more than half of North Macedonia’s total installed electricity generation capacity – 56% as of 2024.

Solar power plants account for 28%, while large hydropower plants have a 24% share.

“For the first time in our history, solar has overtaken hydro – a symbolic and practical milestone in our path toward decarbonization,” Božinovska stated.

Need for investments in baseload generation

Bislimoski emphasized that in the current phase of the energy transition, it is necessary to encourage investments in energy facilities that produce baseload energy.

The use of battery storage has its role, but it is essential to implement projects that will replace coal-fired power generation with gas or biomass, he added

The digitalization of administrative procedures for obtaining the necessary permits and documentation was highlighted as a key prerequisite for increasing the number of green investments, according to the panel How to Create Zones for Faster Implementation of Green Projects.

Speakers, including energy experts, economists, and representatives of national and local authorities, agreed that the energy transition will only be successful if households also feel its benefits, not just industry. Policies and reforms aimed at building a smart and green energy future must be a priority for regional governments to facilitate integration into the European energy market.

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November 4, 2025
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Skopje Declaration signed as International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development wraps up

The 14th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development (IFESD-14) concluded yesterday with the signing of the Skopje Declaration. During the three-day summit, North Macedonia’s capital became a global center of dialogue, ideas, and visions for the future, according to the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources of North Macedonia.

This year’s edition of the International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development (IFESD-14), themed From Goals to Action: Powering the Future with Sustainable Energy, was closed in Skopje yesterday. The event was organized by the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources of North Macedonia, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN’s five regional commissions – UNECE, UNESCAP, UNECLAC, UNECA, and UNESCWA.

Representatives of the UN and the five regional commissions described the organization of the event as flawless, and praised North Macedonia and Skopje as excellent hosts on the global energy scene, the Ministry pointed out.

The forum brought together over 500 participants from more than 70 countries

The forum brought together over 500 participants from more than 70 countries. Over 150 speakers took part in 35 themed sessions and panels, presenting ideas, solutions, and concrete steps for the future of the global energy transition.

On behalf of all participants, the Declaration was signed by Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska, UNDP Resident Representative for North Macedonia Armen Grigoryan, and Dario Liguti, Director of the Sustainable Energy Division at UNECE.

The signatories agreed that the way forward requires regional connectivity, smart investments, digital transformation, and an inclusive energy transition that leaves no one behind.

Božinovska: A new impetus for energy cooperation, solidarity, and vision

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In her closing address, Božinovska emphasized that the forum represented a turning point for the region.

“Over the past three days, Skopje has been a global stage for energy vision and dialogue on sustainable development. What we witnessed here was a wave of knowledge, cooperation, and ambition – a forum that demonstrated that when institutions, scientists, businesses, and international partners sit at the same table, change happens,” she stressed.

Božinovska emphasized that the Skopje Declaration sends a strong signal that the Western Balkan region is not just a follower of the global energy transition, but an active driver.

The future was not just discussed, but also set in motion

“I am proud that it is from Skopje, at the heart of the Balkans, that a new impetus for energy cooperation, solidarity, and vision is emerging. This is proof that North Macedonia can be a platform for ideas that will transform the region. The 14th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development will be remembered as the place where the future was not just discussed, but also set in motion. Let us continue to build the energy future that our citizens deserve,” said Božinovska.

Grigoryan: Skopje has demonstrated global solidarity in action

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Armen Grigoryan, UNDP Resident Representative for North Macedonia, said that the path to sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy is clear, but that it requires unity and vision.

According to him, it requires political will, global solidarity, and commitment.

UNDP is pleased to work together with the Government and the Ministry of Mining, Energy and Mineral Resources, as well as regional commissions, on policies, emission reduction solutions, inclusivity, and air quality improvements, according to him. UNDP invests in people and innovation to achieve measurable results that citizens can feel at home, at work, and everywhere, he added.

Liguti: The Skopje Declaration is a signal of the region’s ambition and vision

According to Dario Liguti, Director of the UNECE Sustainable Energy Division, the document signed in Skopje will remain an important reference point in global energy processes.

He said that the Skopje Declaration represents a strong signal of the regional and global cooperation and ambition, confirming the shared commitment to accelerating a just and inclusive energy transition – a transition that delivers real progress for people and the planet.

Conclusion: smart technologies, a just transition, and green investments

Božinovska, Grigorian, and Liguti (phto: Ministry of Mining, Energy and Mineral Resources)

The document states that signatories will work on integrated and inclusive energy policies; the modernization of power grids and digitalization; investments in renewable energy sources and a just transition; and the promotion of green financing and gender equality in energy.

“Together, we can transform the global energy system into one that safeguards our climate, drives innovation, ensures affordability, and delivers prosperity for all,” reads the closing paragraph of the Skopje Declaration.

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October 30, 2025
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Božinovska: Solar overtakes hydro in North Macedonia

The share of solar power plants’ capacity in North Macedonia has surpassed hydropower plants in 2024, Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska said at the 14th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development in Skopje.

The three-day International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development (IFESD-14) started yesterday. Its theme is From Goals to Action: Powering the Future with Sustainable Energy. The event was organized by the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources of North Macedonia, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN’s five regional commissions – UNECE, UNESCAP, UNECLAC, UNECA, and UNESCWA.

According to Sanja Božinovska, Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, North Macedonia has taken decisive steps in recent years to transform its energy system and align it with the principles of sustainability, security, and affordability.

The reforms are already delivering measurable results, with renewables now accounting for more than half of the country’s total installed electricity capacity – 56% in 2024, she noted.

North Macedonia is moving from goals to action

“The structure of that progress is even more striking. Photovoltaic power plants now represent 28% of installed capacity, surpassing large hydropower, which is at 24%. For the first time in our history, solar has overtaken hydro – a symbolic and practical milestone in our path toward decarbonization,” the minister stated.

In 2024 alone, solar output grew by 186%, she underlined at the first high-level plenary session.

Photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources

The numbers speak louder than words: they highlight a nation that is not just planning a transition, but living it, in Božinovska’s view.

Of note, at the end of 2024 the capacity of solar power plants was 848 MW. The year-on-year was higher than 340 MW. Hydropower capacity was 720 MW, at the end of last year.

Božinovska: We are supporting over 5,000 workers and communities affected by the coal phaseout

“The numbers confirm it — North Macedonia is moving from goals to action,” Božinovska stressed.

She added that the country is investing in new solar and wind projects, expanding energy storage, and modernizing the national grid to absorb growing renewable capacity. “These investments are essential for maintaining reliability and flexibility as we integrate more clean energy sources,” she explained.

Božinovska pointed out that the commitment to a just energy transition is equally important.

“We are supporting over 5,000 workers and communities affected by the coal phaseout, helping them to retrain, diversify local economies, and secure green jobs,” she underlined.

Joksimović: Serbia to reach 2030 renewables target

Sanja Božinovska and Jovana Joksimović (photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources)

According to Jovana Joksimović, Serbian Assistant Minister of Mining and Energy for International Cooperation and European Integration, coal is still the backbone of the energy system in Serbia, while the share of energy from renewables is significant and growing, and it reached 38% in 2023.

The government plans that one in two megawatt-hours would be produced from renewables by 2030, she underlined.

“Existing valuable resources will need to remain the foundation of Serbia’s electricity sector until renewable energy, transmission and distribution infrastructure, as well as storage capacities and ability to integrate renewables, are sufficiently developed and aligned to reliably and securely replace coal-based electricity generation,” the assistant minister told the audience during the second high-level plenary session.

It is necessary to diversify supply channels but also the energy mix

Joksimović stressed that the increased capacity for clean energy, secured from the two very successful rounds of the auctions, would contribute to reaching 2030 targets.

When it comes to advancing the energy transition and powering the future, it is necessary to think outside the box, she added. Supply channels should be diversified but so does the energy mix, to be as self-sustainable as possible, in Joksimović’s view.

There is huge support for it from relevant international financial institutions – IFIs, but more is needed, in her words.

“If we are going to reach the targets that we set for us, I believe that the European Commission would be partnering with us in all efforts that we are taking,” she concluded.

Photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources
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October 30, 2025
by in News

International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development kicks off in Skopje: reliance on single supplier is risk of past

Reliance on a single source or supplier is a risk of the past – the future belongs to diversified, sustainable, and safe energy solutions, Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources of North Macedonia Sanja Božinovska said at the opening of the 14th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development in Skopje.

The three-day International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development (IFESD-14), with the theme From Goals to Action: Powering the Future with Sustainable Energy, gathered more than 500 participants from more than 70 countries, including high-level representatives of international institutions, companies, as well as academics and experts.

The meeting is organized by the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources of North Macedonia, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN’s five regional commissions – UNECE, UNESCAP, UNECLAC, UNECA, and UNESCWA.

The Skopje Declaration will be signed at the forum. The document will remain as an important permanent record of the commitment of the participating countries to a sustainable, safe, and inclusive energy future, according to the ministry.

Sanja Božinovska, Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, underlined that North Macedonia would be the center of the global energy dialogue for the next three days.

Božinovska: Energy transition is not a race between countries​

Energy resilience today is the ability of the system to withstand, adapt, and continue to function stably even in conditions of global uncertainty and geopolitical upheaval, she said.

“In this new era, technology and artificial intelligence are our allies, not a threat. They can help us forecast demand, optimize consumption, and improve energy accessibility. But energy must be used wisely, focusing on people, not just machines,” Božinovska stated.

Sanja Božinovska (photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources)​

​Energy transition is not a race between countries but a shared journey, in the minister’s view. No country, regardless of size, can handle climate challenges alone, she added.

“Our role, as ministers and leaders, is to create conditions for this transition to be fair, sustainable, and inclusive and to ensure that no one is left behind; no country, no community,” Božinovska stressed.

The actions of the Government of North Macedonia confirm the stance, she asserted and highlighted the construction of natural gas interconnectors with Greece and Serbia. The investment will enable supplying thousands of households and businesses and help Europe achieve better connectivity and security of gas supply, she explained.

Grid modernization and investments in digitalization and energy storage are the country’s policy as well, she added.

Mickoski: Energy is high on the government’s agenda

Hristijan Mickoski (photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources)

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickovski said the forum is an opportunity for North Macedonia to show that a small country can have a big impact – when it has a clear vision, determination, and leadership.

He highlighted the role and vision of Minister Božinovska, saying she is determined to move things forward even in the short term, to accelerate processes and not let Macedonia fall behind in the race against time.

“As someone who comes from the energy sector, I know very well how important that feeling of constant movement, change, and responsibility is. That’s why energy is high on the government agenda – not as a technical matter, but as a national priority and state strategy,” he asserted.

Every solar panel, every wind farm, every new power plant fueled by clean energy – this is part of the modern struggle for the independence of North Macedonia, he explained.

“Our vision is clear: to prepare the country for the future – for climate challenges, technological changes and global risks. To make an example in the region of a stable, clean and independent energy economy,” Mickoski said.

Molcean: The forum has developed into a leading global platform for the promotion of sustainable energy

Tatiana Molcean, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), pointed out that the forum, which was launched in 2010, has evolved into a leading global platform for advancing sustainable energy.

“Today, we stand at a crossroads when it comes to multilateralism in energy. The global energy transition represents not only a historic opportunity for sustainable development but also a profound responsibility. We must build resilient energy systems that ensure a secure, affordable, and environmentally sustainable supply of energy,” she stressed and added: “None of us will succeed if we work in isolation.”

Tatiana Molcean (photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources)

​UNECE is here together with other UN partners to help make energy not only a driver of just transition and economic growth, but also a catalyst for sustainability and resilience, Molcean told the audience.

In the view of Resident Representative of UNDP in North Macedonia Armen Grigoryan, the forum’s theme, From Goals to Action: Powering the Future with Sustainable Energy, reflects urgency and growing consensus among nations that sustainable energy solutions are urgent.

Grigoryan: We have to move from commitments to concrete implementation

“Now we have to move from commitments to concrete implementation and steps. Sustainable energy stands as a cornerstone of our collective sustainable future. Around the world, the UNDP programme is deeply engaged in advancing this agenda,” he stressed.

Grigoryan recalled that the work of UNDP in North Macedonia, but also elsewhere, through the green finance facility and tackling air pollution initiatives, is about the people.

“By helping families heat their homes with green and affordable energy, enabling businesses to invest in green solutions, we are creating healthier communities and new opportunities for growth,” he asserted.

Photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources
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October 30, 2025
by in News

North Macedonia launches decarbonization guide for small businesses

The Economic Chamber of North Macedonia has developed the country’s first decarbonization guide for small businesses. The digital tool is intended to help North Macedonia’s economy adapt to international climate rules, including the European Union’s carbon border tax (CBAM).

The decarbonization guide provides detailed instructions on the most effective ways for local companies to reduce their carbon footprint as part of the global fight against climate change, according to the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia.

The key feature is a carbon footprint calculator that covers nearly 60 different energy sources and refrigerants. Information is also available on EU and domestic climate regulations, as well as funding opportunities, such as subsidies.

The platform offers practical case studies and success stories of leading companies to highlight the benefits of clean energy, according to the chamber.

Božinovska: The decarbonization guide marks a turning point in the country’s green transition

The guide was developed in cooperation with the advisory team of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Delegation of the EU to North Macedonia.

The guide was presented in the country’s capital, Skopje, at a gathering attended by more than a hundred entrepreneurs from all sectors of the North Macedonian economy.

Sanja Božinovska (photo: Economic Chamber of North Macedonia)

“The decarbonization guide is a turning point in our country’s green transition, equipping businesses with the tools they need to act now,” said Sanja Božinovska, North Macedonia’s Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources.

The guide is designed to help companies reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to international climate rules, while, as the chamber says, preserving competitiveness.

One of these rules is the EU’s tax on the import of carbon-intensive goods, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

The guide is available on the website of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia

This digital tool will help North Macedonia move towards a low-carbon economy, the chamber added.

The guide is available on the chamber’s website in the form of an interactive platform. Its development was financed by EIB Global.

Björn Gabriel, Head of EIB Representation in North Macedonia, has said that the guide comes at a crucial time as North Macedonia advances its green transition and prepares for upcoming carbon regulations.

According to Head of the Delegation of the EU to North Macedonia Michalis Rokas, decarbonization, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources are powerful tools for building a more innovative, resilient, and competitive economy.

If every small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) takes at least a few significant steps toward greener business practices, the combined impact on more than 68,000 firms will be truly transformative, claims Rokas.

Michalis Rokas (photo: Economic Chamber of North Macedonia)

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