Skopje, 12 December 2025 (MIA) - Europe has made it clear that equality is not a choice, but a standard, and we accept that standard because we believe in a state that has no privileged and underprivileged citizens, Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Bozhinovska told a conference on gender equality in the EU accession process, taking place in Skopje on Friday. 

"In the European Union, gender equality is not a side issue, but a fundamental value embedded in European law, a prerequisite for a democratic society, a strong economy and cohesion among citizens. Progress in this area is a legal obligation for every country that wants to join the Union, as well as an intelligent investment in stable, inclusive and sustainable development. Europe has made it clear that equality is not a choice, but a standard. We accept that standard not only because we have to, but because we believe in a country that has no privileged and underprivileged citizens. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is a positive example of this today, with a gender balance of 50 to 50, we show that institutions can and must be drivers of equality," the Minister pointed out. 

She noted that this is why talks focus on energy, a sector that is not just a technical system or an economic branch, but a political pillar of European integration.

"The Green Agenda, the Energy Union and Chapter 15 - Energy are not parts of negotiating chapters, but mechanisms through which we secure the future of our economy and our independence. Yet, it is precisely in this strategic sector that women are least represented, in technical professions, in policymaking, in innovation and in leadership. This is not just a matter of injustice, it is a limitation of our ability to lead the green transition with the full human potential that we possess," said Bozhinovska. 

The Minister noted that gender perspective in energy must become the norm, because it ensures inclusive green growth, equitable access to energy services, reduction of energy poverty that most often affects women, single parents, rural households and the elderly, as well as a just transition aligned with the highest European standards.

She added that in this regard, the Ministry particularly values the cooperation with UN Women and the preparation of the ten gender GAP analyses. These findings, Bozhinovska explained, provide access to data and facts that are necessary for serious policies, a better understanding of differences in access to energy resources, recognition of barriers to women's participation in green jobs and STEM professions, as well as identification of vulnerabilities in climate measures.

"The green transition cannot work without equal participation of women. Our commitment is clear, we will increase women's participation in renewable energy companies, in projects for modernizing the electricity grid, in innovation, digital technologies and in leadership positions in public institutions and regulators. Europe is building a system in which everyone gets a chance to contribute, and we must be part of that vision. Our institutional commitment is complete. We work with the Ministry of European Affairs, with UN Women, with the State Statistical Office to provide data, with municipalities and with the civil society sector, because energy policy is not created in isolation, it is created through partnership, transparency and broad social consensus. The application of gender-responsive budgeting in programs to support vulnerable households will be particularly important, because policies have no value if they don't reach those who need them most," Bozhinovska pointed out.

She stressed that gender equality must be integrated from the very beginning into every chapter, from the rule of law to environment, from education to social policy and energy. It is not an additional component, she said, but a criterion for the country's Europeanization.  

Photo: MIA