Skopje, 13 November 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozhinovska, held a working meeting with Robert de Groot, Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), who oversees the bank’s activities in the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia. The meeting was held as part of de Groot’s visit to the country, where he reaffirmed his support for advancing strategic projects in the energy sector, the Ministry said.

During the meeting, the Minister and the EIB Vice President exchanged views on future projects and initiatives that the bank could support in the country, with a particular focus on the energy transition, modernization of the electricity infrastructure, and improving energy efficiency.

“Opportunities for combined financial, technical, and expert support were discussed, aimed at accelerating the preparation and implementation of high-priority projects. Particular attention was given to supporting initiatives related to substations and power infrastructure, using flexible financing models. Readiness to engage in activities related to REK Bitola mining and energy complex was expressed, particularly in the areas of energy transition, modernization, and improving the efficiency of production processes. The EIB has experts in energy efficiency and established programs in this field implemented in other countries. Expertise and support were offered for designing and implementing similar programs at the national level,” the Energy Ministry reported.

Vice President de Groot underscored that the EIB is prepared to provide not only financial support but also expertise for the development of energy efficiency programs and infrastructure projects, with the aim of strengthening national capacity and promoting sustainable development.

Minister Bozhinovska, the press release adds, noted that Macedonia values its cooperation with the EIB, which will contribute to speeding up the implementation of key energy sector projects and strengthening the country’s energy independence and sustainability.

“The bank expressed strong interest in establishing more intensive cooperation and supporting new initiatives in different sectors,” the Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources said in a press release.

Photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources