Skopje, 21 January 2026 (MIA) - Minister of Environment and Physcial Planning, Muhamet Hoxha, met with the Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Office in North Macedonia, Björn Gabriel, to discuss discussed continuing their ongoing cooperation, with a particular focus on the implementation of strategic projects in the fields of environment and water infrastructure.

According to the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, Minister Hoxha emphasized the importance of the European Investment Bank’s continued support in implementing projects that directly impact the improvement of citizens’ quality of life and environmental protection.

Björn Gabriel highlighted that the European Investment Bank, owned by EU member states and the largest multilateral financial institution, backs sustainable projects that advance the EU’s strategic goals, with special emphasis on Europe.

The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning and the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia have signed two loan agreements with the EIB: €68 million for the “Construction of a Wastewater Treatment Plant for the City of Skopje” project and €50 million for the “Improvement of Water Infrastructure in Municipalities” project, covering 80 municipalities across the country. In addition to the loans, the EIB also provides grants for technical assistance. Within the Skopje wastewater treatment plant project, €69 million in grants have been secured from the Western Balkans Investment Fund (WBIF), administered through the EIB as the lead bank for the project.

“Björn Gabriel once again reaffirmed the EIB’s commitment to fully support project implementation, emphasizing close collaboration with project teams, regular participation in coordination meetings, and the EIB’s role as a bridge between European Union institutions and the Government of North Macedonia. Both parties agreed to continue intensive cooperation to ensure the successful implementation of priority environmental projects,” reads the press release.

Photo: Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning