Skopje, 8 July 2025 (MIA) - An agreement for a non-refundable EU grant in the amount of EUR 5.5 million was signed at the Government on Tuesday. The funds are intended for the the puposes of a project on energy-efficient rehabilitation of state student dormitories in North Macedonia, as part of a broader initiative to improve living conditions of students and reduce CO₂ emissions.

Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska, Minister of Finance Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska, and Head of the German Development Bank for Southeast Europe (KfW) Klaus Müller signed the document. 

Finance Minister Dimitrieska Kochoska said the project was not only an infrastructure investment, but an investment in the future, or "an investment in dignified conditions for our students and in energy savings in the long-term". 

She noted that this was phase one of the project with a total budget of EUR 30.25 million, which includes EUR 20 million loan from KfW, EUR 4.75 million euro grant via the WBIF and a new grant of EUR 5.5 million.

"These numbers are not just financial parameters – they are proof of vision, strategic planning and specific care for young people and those who need support the most," said Dimitrieska Kochoska.

She also announced a follow-up phase that will include the construction of educational institutions for students with special needs.

Education Minister Janevska said a thorough reconstruction of nine state student dormitories is underway, supported by the EU and KfW. The first phase includes complete reconstruction of the dormitories "Kuzman Josifovski - Pitu" and "Stiv Naumov" in Skopje, which, she noted, will become ultra-modern and energy-efficient by the end of the year.

"With the new grant, the budget is now more than EUR 30 million and the funds will be used to partially fund the reconstruction of four student dormitories, including "Nikola Karev" in Ohrid, "Brakja Miladinovci" in Shtip, "Orde Chopela" in Prilep and "Tome Stefanovski - Senikj" in Skopje," she said.

Minister Janevska also announced a third phase, which will include the dormitories "Goce Delchev" and "Pelagonija" in Skopje and "Kocho Racin" in Bitola.

EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas said that with the signature of the grant agreement work is underway to improve energy-efficiency in education.

"Student housing is a crucial part of university life, it provides a home away from home. The implementation of the nearly zero energy buildings is directly contributing to the decrease of air pollution in Skopje. The reconstruction of the two dormitories in Skopje has been progressing at full speed. In addition to making these buildings fit for purpose and to improving the living conditiuons for the students, we also have to consider the needs of those students with disabilities and make sure that the reconstructed facilities also improve their quality of life. We do hope that with this project, collectively, all four of us, will get an excellent ten for our work and what matters is that with the funds provided by this program, but also the ones adopted in the Growth Plan and the Reform Agenda, we are working together with the authorities to raise the bar even higher for the next changes of this project," he said. 

German Ambassador Petra Drexler expressed hope that the project will lead to "a 30-percent reduction in energy consumption of student dormitories", which will also contribute to climate goals, energy stability, and a better life for all citizens. 

Head of the German Development Bank for Southeast Europe (KfW) Klaus Müller said that in addition to financial support, the bank also supports the Government in terms of energy efficiency legislation.

The grant is provided via the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), under tthe EU’s Regional Energy Efficiency Program (REEP Plus), and complements EUR 20 million loan from the German Development Bank (KfW).

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