Skopje, 22 July 2025 (MIA) – Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Chairman of the Turkish company Kazancı Holding, Şaban Cemil, signed on Tuesday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), paving the way for the implementation of €1 billion investment in a strategic energy project in the country. 

Mickoski told a joint press conference with Cemil that the signing of the MoU sends a clear signal that the state has the will and plan to ensure its energy sovereignty, as well as to protect economic interests in the long-run.  

"By signing this memorandum with Kazancı Group, we are paving the way for the implementation of a significant strategic project, an investment worth €1 billion which will have a real, practical and long-term impact on the country's energy system. The project includes three main components: development of new electricity generation capacities; construction of a natural gas distribution network; as well as measures to increase the security of gas supply," Mickoski pointed out. 

According to him, this is not just an infrastructure project, but a project that affects the country's security, stability and economic future.

"Energy is the basis for every type of production, for the functioning of institutions, for the normal life of citizens. Having our own source and stable distribution means having security, predictability and control over one of the most important systems in the country. This investment also opens up new opportunities for the industry, supports gasification, creates new jobs, and strengthens the country's energy resilience. In addition, the development of domestic production capacities reduces dependence on imports and the impact of external price and political risks," said Mickoski. 

He added that cooperation is the result of the Government's responsible approach and clear vision. The Government, he noted, remains focused on energy policies, not as ad-hoc measures, but as part of a long-term plan.

"Our goal is clear - to build the country as a stable and independent energy entity in the region," Mickoski said.

Chairman of the Turkish company Kazancı Holding, Şaban Cemil, pointed out that the project is ready and implementation can begin after research is carried out by professionals. 

"Discussions on this project have been going on for a long time. The project is now ready, and research will be conducted next, after which the implementation of this €1 billion project will begin. This development of new energy systems will be supervised by great professionalism, and I hope that we will take a big step forward towards the progress of energy. This will be a strategic hub in the Balkans. I thank the Prime Minister for the efforts he is making for this project and I believe that it will be implemented in the nearest future," Cemil said. 

Photo: Government