Skopje, 12 November 2025 (MIA) — Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski met Wednesday with European Investment Bank vice president Robert de Groot ahead of the official signing of an agreement to open an EIB office in Skopje, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski told a joint press conference with de Groot after the signing, stressing that this would deepen ties with the European Union and promote partnership with EU institutions. 

"This strongly confirms the trust this organization and the European Union have in our country and in its economic potential," Mucunski said.

"Since our independence, the EIB has invested over EUR 1.6 billion in key sectors for the stable development of the country — infrastructure, energy, transport, support for small and medium-sized enterprises as well as improving the living standard through modernizing public services," he said.

The foreign minister pointed out that the opening of the EIB Skopje office would lead to closer coordination, more efficient project implementation and even greater access to technical and financial assistance from the EU.

"As of today, the EIB will be even closer to state institutions, local governments and Macedonian companies, providing them with support for the implementation of their development investments and projects," Mucunski said. 

"The closer presence of the EIB is a clear signal our country is moving toward a modern, European and competitive economy, open to investments and oriented toward long-term and sustainable growth," he said. 

This new phase of cooperation, according to Mucunski, coincides with the government's strategic goals of accelerating economic transformation, supporting the green transition, integrating into the EU's economic and financial space and adopting European practices and standards. 

"We remain clearly committed to creating conditions for stable growth, new investments, increased competitiveness and better living conditions," he said.

Mucunski also thanked de Groot and the entire EIB team for their dedication and willingness to deepen this cooperation, which he said would bring tangible results in the years to come.

De Groot noted that the agreement was a new milestone in the EIB's cooperation with the country, which had started with the financing of railways many years ago.

He highlighted that the EIB, since 1991, had invested more than EUR 1.6 billion into the local economy, infrastructure and municipalities as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. However, he added, the bank needed to facilitate access to loans, as well. Through the Skopje office, the bank would become part of the country's accession journey together with the EU delegation, the EIB vice president said.

De Groot also welcomed the continued cooperation in various sectors, such as energy, transport, connectivity and transition to renewables not only in the country but also in neighboring states. He stressed the importance of secure water supply and sanitation services. "What is of particular interest to us is the treatment of wastewater, especially in the capital," he said.

He added that the EIB would provide funds and technical assistance for new projects by small and medium-sized enterprises. Through the Skopje office, as part of Team Europe and the new EC Growth Plan, he said the EIB was ready to support "our Macedonian partners in delivering projects that will have a strong impact and promote sustainable development, connectivity, green transition as well as improved health and education services for the benefit of citizens." 

"I am confident that together we can build a stronger, more resilient future for North Macedonia and help on your path to EU accession," de Groot said. mr/