Skopje, 27 November 2023 (MIA) – Direct financial support of Mden 800 million (EUR 13 million) for 129 new projects will be allocated to municipalities and planning regions in the country through the Regional Development Programme.

The project financing agreements, of which 29 are intended for the planning regions and 100 for the municipalities, were signed at the Government on Monday. The funds are earmarked for the development of local road infrastructure, construction of preschools, purchase of urban equipment and improvement of the citizens' quality of life.  

According to the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, Fatmir Bytyqi, the goal is to reduce the disparity in the country's socio-economic development as well as the rural-urban divisions, and to improve the overall social well-being.

"Unfortunately, we are in a situation where the difference between the most underdeveloped region - the Northeast region, and the most developed - Skopje, is one to seven. It is not possible to address this gap if you don't have consistent policies that are incorporated into all the different government programmes," said Bytyqi.  

According to the Minister of Local Self-Government, Risto Penov, the spending of the allocated funds is fully under control through all Government institutions.

"There can be no lack of transparency in these projects. We monitor the projects from start to finish," Penov said.