Skopje, 22 October 2025 (MIA) – Decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy are all powerful tools to build a more innovative, resilient and competitive economy, EU Ambassador to the country, Michalis Rokas said at the launch of the decrabonisation guide for small businesses in the country held at the Economic Chamber on Wednesday.

Rokas underscored that North Macedonia has shown strong commitment through its National Energy and Climate Plan, as a vision where business growth and climate responsibility go hand in hand.

“Now it is the time to turn this vision into action, across all sectors of the economy, especially within industry and among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of the country’s economy. If each SME takes even a few meaningful steps towards greener business practices, the combined impact across more than 68,000 enterprises will be truly transformative,” he stated.

The Economic Chamber has prepared the first decarbonisation guide for small businesses in the country with support from the European Union. The digital tool provides step-by-step instructions on the most effective ways for local companies to reduce their carbon footprint as part of the global fight against climate change.

Developed in cooperation with the advisory team of the European Investment Bank and the EU delegation in North Macedonia, the guide was created by the Chamber, the oldest and largest business association in the country. It was presented Wednesday in Skopje at a conference attended by over 100 entrepreneurs from all sectors of the Macedonian economy.

“The decarbonisation guide represents a turning point in our country’s green transition, equipping businesses with the tools they need to act now,” the Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozhinovska said.

The guide is designed to help companies reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to international climate rules such as the European Union’s tax on carbon-intensive imports – the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) – while remaining competitive. It will help North Macedonia as a whole move towards a low-carbon economy. On the Economic Chamber’s website, the guide takes the form of an interactive platform and was created with EIB Global financing.

“This guide comes at a crucial time as North Macedonia advances its green transition and prepares for upcoming carbon regulations. We are proud to support businesses in modernising their operations and help drive sustainable transformation across the country,” said EIB Representative to North Macedonia Björn Gabriel.

A key feature of the platform is a carbon-footprint calculator that covers nearly 60 energy sources and refrigerants. Information is also available about EU and domestic climate regulations, as well as opportunities for funding such as subsidies. The platform also presents practical case studies and success stories from leading companies to highlight clean energy benefits.

The European Union has been a long-standing partner of North Macedonia, helping its businesses prepare for accession and compete effectively in the European single market.

The guide is accessible here: https://decarbonisation.mchamber.mk/default.aspx?m=1&l=2

Photo: Economic Chamber