Dubrovnik, 14 October 2025 (MIA) - Speaking at the second ministerial meeting on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB) in Dubrovnik on Tuesday, Deputy Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Ane Lashkoska said North Macedonia was ready to work with all partners to turn the regional commitments of the Green Agenda into measurable results - for the health of the citizens, the well-being of future generations and the protection of the environment.

Addressing one of the panel discussions, Lashkoska pointed out that the GAWB is the foundation for the green transition and aims to operationalize the common goals of the region.

"Macedonia reaffirms its full political commitment to the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, as the foundation of our path towards sustainable development, European integration and climate resilience. We are aware that environmental protection, green transition and sustainable resource management are not challenges that we face alone, but shared responsibilities that require solidarity, coordination and collective action across the region," said the Deputy Minister.

According to her, the region faces numerous common environmental challenges - air and water pollution, waste management, climate change adaptation, biodiversity loss.

"These issues don't know borders between countries. In this context, regional cooperation is not only desirable, but necessary. Today we are here not only as representatives of our governments, but also as partners in a common vision - for a cleaner, healthier and more resilient Europe and Western Balkans," Lashkoska underlined.

She noted that the country is taking significant steps to align national policies with the five pillars of the Green Agenda.

"The screening process for Chapter 27 has been completed with a positive assessment on institutional readiness," Lashkoska added, detailing the activities undertaken and the results in terms of decarbonization, biodiversity, circular economy and pollution reduction.

She welcomed the adoption of the Dubrovnik Declaration, which is to be made official during Tuesday's meeting. According to Lashkoska, the Declaration is a joint political platform that strengthens regional cooperation, accelerates alignment with the European Green Deal and supports the transformation of the economies in the region in accordance with EU standards.

North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Albania endorse the Declaration.

Photo: MIA