Skopje, 11 September 2025 (MIA) – Macedonia is ready to become a regional leader and serve as a reference example for a just energy transition in the Western Balkans, said Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozhinovska during her video speech at the high-level forum titled “Boosting Country-Led Energy Transformations” held in Cartagena, Colombia.

“Our goal is clear and unequivocal - a rapid transition that will be fair to every worker and every community currently dependent on the coal industry,” Bozhinovska said, emphasizing that the country is determined to show that climate ambitions can be aligned with economic growth and energy security.

She reminded that the government has already adopted an Accelerating Coal Transition Investment Plan, developed in partnership with the EBRD, IFC, and the World Bank. The plan, she added, foresees major investments in renewable energy, a modern electricity grid, and the creation of new green jobs.

“With the support of the Climate Investment Funds, we are building a transition based on economically sustainable and socially fair foundations. Our vision is clear: energy independence, greater security, and new avenues for investment,” Bozhinovska said.

In her remarks, she referred to the launch of the Just Energy Transition Platform at COP28, targeting the creation of localized solutions for more than 5,000 individuals who are directly or indirectly dependent on the coal industry.

Moreover, the Ministry of Energy’s delegation is actively participating in discussions about the new global platform, the Clean Energy Learning Laboratory (CELL), which aims to promote knowledge exchange and access to innovative financing models to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

“Macedonia has ambitious plans. The success of our energy transition will show that even the boldest climate objectives can be realized with a clear vision, strong partnerships, and courage,” Bozhinovska said.

Photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources