Skopje, 16 June 2025 (MIA) — The country's energy transition is no longer a technical issue but a generational challenge, according to speakers at the opening of the MEF25 Macedonian Energy Forum stressing that the Western Balkans can become a leader in the global energy transformation but this requires political will, regional cooperation and civic engagement.

In her opening remarks, Minister of Energy, Mining and Minerals Sanja Bozhinovska highlighted the importance of the new Energy Law and the government's ambitious investment agenda as key tools for accelerating North Macedonia's energy transition.

"The new Energy Law makes it possible to fully liberalize the electricity market, which will stimulate fair competition and make room for new private investments," she said.

The energy minister said the law laid out rules for renewables including simpler procedures for obtaining licenses and stronger consumer protections.

Bozhinovska also presented what she said was the country's "most ambitious investment agenda" so far, which includes building new facilities of 1.6 gigawatts by 2030, modernizing the transmission network to better integrate renewable sources and strengthening regional connectivity.

She also spoke about plans for new natural gas interconnectors with Greece, Serbia and Kosovo, energy storage projects and the development of green hydrogen capacities.

"Energy transition requires energy support," she said. 

"No Western Balkan country can build an energy future that is secure, clean and affordable on its own," she added.

EU Ambassador to North Macedonia Michalis Rokas praised the country’s progress. 

“We see a determination to move forward in North Macedonia," Ambassador Rokas said, welcoming the new energy law and revisions to the national energy and climate plan.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Izet Mexhiti spoke about the social and environmental aspect of the transition, saying it “should be ecological, social in nature and fair in its implementation." 

"We have to find a strategy to reduce our dependence on coal and meet the Paris Agreement goals. Today, the Western Balkans have the capacity to be not a follower, but a leader in energy transition,” Mexhiti said.

Francesco La Camera, the director general of the International Renewable Energy Agency, said that more than 190 countries, including North Macedonia, had committed to energy efficiency by 2030. 

"Reaching the goals requires 1.3 trillion dollars per year. Financing and international cooperation are crucial," he stressed.

MEF executive director Agim Selami said the country's energy transition was no longer a technical issue, but a political, economic and generational challenge.

The two-day forum has brought together politicians as well as industry, science and civil society leaders to encourage dialogue and cooperation.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, too, is set to speak at a MEF25 panel Tuesday. mr/