Macedonia is committed to intensifying efforts to fully align its laws and systems with those of the European Union in environment and climate. This commitment was expressed during a meeting between First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, Izet Mejiti, and Michael O’Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe.

Mejiti highlighted that these efforts are evident in sectoral strategies and policies, including strong legislative measures, enhanced national capacities for EU law implementation, and substantial infrastructure and technology investments. He also noted that Macedonia might need transition periods, especially for Chapter 27, which is considered one of the most demanding and costly for EU negotiating countries.

Chapter 27, a part of Cluster 4, encompasses road infrastructure, digitization, renewable energy, and natural resource protection. Mejiti expressed gratitude for the EU’s continuous support, recognizing it as the main donor in Macedonia’s environmental sector. EU support includes investments in renewable energy sources like solar and wind farms, the transition from coal, gas system connections with Kosovo and Serbia, and waste and wastewater management projects.

Key EU-supported projects include closing illegal landfills, building regional waste management systems in five regions, and constructing a wastewater treatment plant in Skopje. The biggest challenges for Macedonia regarding Chapter 27 remain in water and waste management.

The Action Plan for implementing Waste Water and Drinking Water Directives estimates a total cost of about EUR 1.2 billion, with an implementation deadline of 2041. These funds are allocated for constructing 87 treatment plants, 16 of which will have advanced tertiary treatment. The waste management system requires around EUR 300 million.