Skopje, 14 November 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozhinovska, held a working meeting with a World Bank delegation, led by Charles Cormier, Regional Director for Infrastructure for Europe and Central Asia and Xiaoqing Yu, World Bank’s Country Director for the Western Balkans. The Ministry of Energy reported that the meeting focused on strategic energy priorities, green investment initiatives, and strengthening institutional cooperation.

“The discussions focused on the gas interconnector between Macedonia and Serbia, a project regarded by the World Bank as one of the most significant for energy security and regional connectivity. The meeting also addressed the need to establish a joint institutional framework with Serbia as well as the enhanced role of Nomagas AD in preparing project documentation and coordinating with international partners,” the Energy Ministry said in a press release.

According to the press release, the World Bank delegation confirmed its readiness to support the development of renewable energy sources, investments in storage systems, and the modernization of district heating systems in Bitola and Skopje, initiatives that directly contribute to cleaner air and energy sustainability.

“Minister Bozhinovska underscored the central role of Energy Efficiency Fund, highlighting the allocation of funds to public institutions, where efficiency yields the greatest systematic impact. Regarding energy poverty, she underlined the need for more precise and socially targeted measures, as well as the accelerated improvement of energy performance in public and private buildings. The meeting also focused on gradual phase-out of coal-fired power plants and plans for new investments in renewables and modern storage systems. Both parties agreed that the transition must be socially just, supported by strong retraining and upskilling programs for employees in energy complexes,” reads the press release.

Minister Bozhinovska and World Bank officials agreed to strengthen coordination, provide technical support, and maintain regular dialogue moving forward, jointly committing to speed up the green transition and build a stable, modern, and sustainable energy system.

Photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources