Skopje, 9 March 2026 (MIA) - Energy interconnections and modern energy grids are not only part of the region's green transition but also key for its energy security, competitiveness and integration with the European energy market, Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Bozhinovska told a panel within high-level event "Electricity, Digital and Regional Interconnectivity in South East Europe", held in Thessaloniki on Monday.

The event brought together ministers and senior officials from the region, representatives from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and European institutions, in order to define the priorities for modernization of energy infrastructure, improved regional integration on the electricity markets and acceleration of green and digital transition. It also marked the launch of a new OECD project for promotion of energy networking, digitalization and regional cooperation in South East Europe.

"Stronger energy interconnections and smart grids are of crucial importance for the countries of the Western Balkans. They ensure stability of systems, greater exchange of electricity, and conditions for increased integration of renewables," said Minister Bozhinovska.

The minister added that Macedonia is actively working on several key projects for regional networking of energy systems, including interconnection Bitola - Elbasan with Albania, which construction is expected to begin this month and be completed in about 2,5 years.

In parallel, the country is active in strengthening the Western Balkans energy corridor east-west, which is set to link its system with Kosovo and provide improved transmission capability and stability of the regional energy system.

Bozhinovska noted activities are also ongoing on enhancing the existing Bitola - Meliti interconnection with Greece, technically supported by the Western Balkans Investment Framework, as well as the new interconnection Strumica - Sandanski with Bulgaria, which is part of the broader regional infrastructure for energy connectivity, the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources said in a press release.

Photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources