Skopje, 21 November 2025 (MIA) - The Growth Plan is more than an initiative for Macedonia, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told the Regional Leaders' Summit on the Growth Plan in Tirana on Friday.

PM Mickoski said the Growth Plan is a story about turning commitment into real change, while noting that Macedonia was the first country in the region to operationalize the Reform and Growth Facility and the first to receive pre-financing in line with the Plan.

"This was a result of the committed efforts and firm belief in the European values. Our reform agenda, approved by the European Commission, is focusing on what truly matters - good governance, clean energy, education, business development and rule of law. These are not abstract goals but foundations of a modern European state, a daily reality that we want to ensure for our citizens," said Mickoski.

The PM reflected on some of the changes that are already implemented.

"This year, we submitted two payment requests that support the Government's priority reforms, primarily in the field of digital services, enhancement of the business environment and improvement of energy efficiency. About EUR 24 million have been paid thus far, in the form of loans and investment grants. We are continuing to work on reform steps in all sectors: public finance management, digital transformation, business development and judiciary reforms. Completion of these steps will unlock additional EU support in the amount of over EUR 134 million. These are not just numbers, but a story of change," said Mickoski.

He also highlighted the country's accession to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), being one of the first Western Balkans partners to integrate in the system, then the WiFi for the Western Balkans (WiFi4WB) project implemented in 63 municipalities, the Digital Summit in Skopje that focused on interoperability, safe digital identity and closer alignment with European digital standards, as well as the construction of an AI Factory Antenna within the Horizon Programme, bringing Macedonia closer to the European AI ecosystem and the supercomputer capacities.

The PM also spoke about networking as a top priority, referring to the rehabilitation of three border crossings - Deve Bair, Blace and Bogorodica - within the Green Lanes initiative, bringing Europe physically closer to citizens.

"Our green transition - from energy-efficient student dormitories up to investments in transport and railway infrastructure - shows that growth and sustainability can go hand in hand. Projects totalling at about EUR 1.1 billion are ongoing within the Growth Plan, over half of which granted by the EU," noted Mickoski.

He added that cooperation in the area has enhanced through the common regional market and the Berlin Process, creating a space that reflects the European Single Market.

"These steps are a proof that by integrating our markets, linking up roads and aligning regulations, we are already putting the European Union and its values to practice," said Mickoski.

The PM noted that the country's message is simple but strong - Macedonia delivers.

"We are not implementing reforms because this is expected of us but because we believe in the European idea. We are building Europe at home with our policies, actions and values. We now expect the same from our partners - a just, merit-based approach that rewards results and acknowledges commitment. Let's turn the Growth Plan into real progress and change, let it be a proof that the European idea continues to inspire, unite and produce results, not tomorrow but today," concluded PM Mickoski.

Photo: Government