Skopje, 29 April 2025 (MIA) — Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Bozhinovska is in Athens taking part Tuesday in the 9th Balkans Energy Summit organized by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy of Greece, the Ministry of Energy of Hungary and the Energy Regulatory Commission of North Macedonia.

According to an official press release, the Macedonian energy minister participated in the opening panel alongside other regional top officials discussing ways to strengthen the strategic energy cooperation across the Balkans. 

The discussion focused on regional energy security, accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources and the development of a coordinated response to global challenges.

"For us, regional cooperation is not a choice but a strategic necessity. Today, more than ever, the Balkans need to join forces and provide a secure, sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future," Bozhinovska said.  

She highlighted that North Macedonia, although small territory-wise, was a dedicated and active participant in the regional energy sector, taking genuine steps to liberalize the energy market, to invest in renewable sources and to modernize its energy infrastructure.

"We have already invested in new photovoltaic power stations. We are expanding the Bogdanci wind power park. We are building the energy network of the future, using smart technologies, improving efficiency and making connections with our neighbors. This is the only way we can create a truly functional regional market," Bozhinovska said.

According to her, North Macedonia had already attracted private investors greatly interested in investing in wind and solar capacities, "the total of their requests amounting to 9,500 watts," she said.

"Our strategy is clear: The state provides security; the private sector brings in innovations and provides an extra impetus to the green transition," Bozhinovska added.

She also announced her ministry's newly proposed Energy Law. Being reviewed in Parliament at the moment, the bill is aimed at creating an even stronger foundation for investments in renewables and in modernizing the country's energy sector, she said.

In closing, Bozhinovska highlighted that energy was "much more than a resource."

"Energy is the basis of the future we want to build," the energy minister said. "We are open to new partnerships, sharing knowledge and creating together a region that will be an example to Europe."

The 9th Balkan Energy Summit has gathered over 40 speakers, including ministers and deputy ministers of energy, regulators and company CEOs, to discuss investments in the region’s energy security, natural gas, hydrogen, renewables, and infrastructure development. mr/