Skopje, 1 October 2021 (MIA) – We will completely transform the country’s energy sector over the next 5-7 years and realize a great number of investments in renewable energy sources, Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi told forum “Strategic Economic Talks”, held in Istria, Croatia on September 30-October 2. In remarks at panel “Prospects for Foreign Direct Investments and market trends in Southeast Europe”, Deputy PM Bytyqi said EUR 3,2 billion are to be invested in the energy sector through the Investment Intervention Plan. “The Plan that the Government recently adopted for the purpose of swift recovery from the pandemic but also faster and sustainable development of energy and economy includes investments in the amount of EUR 3,2 billion in the energy sector, mixed capital, private and public investments over the next 5-7 years. In the next five years, we will transform the country’s energy sector towards green and renewable energy sources. We will strive to fully implement the plan of nationally determined contributions that projects an 82-percent cut of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to the 1990 levels,” said Bytyqi. According to him, these projections can be achieved only through continued efforts to change the awareness among state institutions and education of citizens. “We have undertaken all steps towards energy transition, including full market liberalization, with North Macedonia being the first country in the region to do this, as is the case with the Energy Law, which is completely aligned with EU regulations and directives, as well as the Energy Community,” said Bytyqi. “Strategic Economic Talks” is organized by the Vienna-based non-governmental business association Southeast Europe Business Development Network (SEEBDN), together with TPA Group, one of Austria’s leading tax advisory companies.