Marichikj: New European financial support of EUR 98.9 million for three projects
Skopje, 20 July 2023 (MIA) - The European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) informed on Thursday Deputy PM for European Affairs and National IPA Coordinator, Bojan Marichikj, about the three projects that were approved on June 30, 2023, during the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) meeting.
"The WBIF, in which we applied for every open call, and whose support we always have for our projects, has approved EUR 24 million in grants for three projects, two for the energy sector and one for transport, related to the construction of Corridors 8 Kriva Palanka-Stracin expressway. The grant is in the amount of EUR 14 million, while the complete investment amounts to EUR 36.7 million with a loan from the World Bank," the Secretariat for European Affairs said in a press release.
According to the Secretariat for European Affairs, two projects are intended for the energy sector, and one for energy efficiency in the public sector with a grant in the amount of EUR 2.2 million, while the entire investment amounts to EUR 27.5 million supported by a loan from the World Bank. The grant was requested to intervene and increase the energy efficiency of 18 health facilities namely, 4 in Skopje and Valandovo, Kriva Palanka, German, Zletovo, Kratovo, Pehchevo, Shtip, Probishtip, Demir Hisar, Demir Kapija, Dolni Disan, Resen, Lozovo, Negotino and Debar.
"The second grant, for the energy sector, is in the amount of EUR 8 million intended for strengthening the electricity transmission network in the southeast region, with a total investment of EUR 34.7 million, with a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The goal of the project is to enable connection to the grid for electricity produced from renewable energy sources from hydropower plants, solar power plants, wind turbines, thereby increasing North Macedonia's independence for producing its own electricity," reads the press release.
According to Deputy PM Marichikj, EU's support of such concrete projects is proof that the accession process and EU membership are not only political, but an economic process, with concrete benefits for citizens.
"During this summer, the European Commission will promote about 20 guarantee funds for the private sector in order to encourage the development of enterprises in the Western Balkans, to improve their operations and maintain private investments. So far, the European Commission has helped with access to finance, and in the coming period it will also take the risk for investments to facilitate and improve the private sector. Additional information on the grants will be published in September 2023," the press release reads.
The Secretariat for European Affairs notes that the total approved projects for Western Balkan countries amount to EUR 528 million with a total investment of EUR 2.2 million. All approved projects are aimed at implementing WBIF promoted by the EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Várhelyi, in 2020.
DG NEAR, it adds, submitted the details for the criteria for the new 9th consecutive call for investment grants within the framework of the WBIF, intended for railway projects. In accordance to the criteria of this call, countries can apply with projects for the rehabilitation of the existing and construction of new sustainable and smart infrastructure of the main and extended TEN-T railway network.
"The maximum amount form WBIF co-finance amounts to 50 percent of the total investment, and the rest of the funds will be provided with funds from the International Financial Institutions in accordance with the rules for implementing the WBIF," the press release adds.
Photo: Secretariat for European Affairs
