Skopje, 22 June 2023 (MIA) – The twinning project “Further Strengthening the Capacities for Effective Implementation of the Acquis in the Field of Industrial Pollution” aimed at strengthening North Macedonia’s national and local administrative capacities in the area of industrial pollution, with the support of the European Union and experts from Greece, was launched Thursday in Skopje.

Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Kaja Shukova said the project is of great significance to the Ministry, the business community, the environment and the health of the citizens.

“The largest industrial installations make up a significant portion of total emissions of key atmospheric pollutants, as well as emissions in the water and soil, waste production and energy usage. Because of that, we are continuously working to harmonize the primary and secondary legislation with the EU Acquis and further strengthen the national and local administrative capacities in the field of industrial pollution,” said Shukova.

The Minister said the twinning project is structured in three components: the first component concerns the harmonization of the legal framework, the second component is focused on improving the assessment procedure of the environmental impact of activities from the integrated environmental permits, and the third component is aimed at improving the process of issuing permits and setting emission limit values for an integrated prevention of pollution.

“The project is worth EUR 1 million and is expected to be completed by the end of October 2024. I would like to wish everyone a successful implementation of their project and thank them for their assistance. Above all, the European Union, the Greek Government and the Center of International and European Economic Law (CIEEL), as well as the representatives of all national and local institutions and associations that are a part of the activities. Our aim is not to hinder industry, but on the contrary, to create new approaches to the industrial processes which will lead to the development of economy, but not at the expense of the environment and people’s health,” said the Minister.

The Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to North Macedonia, Steffen Hudolin said North Macedonia will gain a lot of benefits from the experience and knowledge that will be exchanged with the partners within the project.

“The European Union chose to finance this project, above all, because it wants to improve the situation in the country, especially in this field, where there are issues with industrial pollution. Success will depend on the achieved results and the way in which the appropriate measures are implemented,” stressed Hudolin.

The Greek Ambassador to North Macedonia, Sophia Philippidou, also stressed the importance of the project for both countries, underlining the opportunity it provides for the exchange of practices and experiences.

Stylianos Mavromatis, the leader of the project and environmental inspector at the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy clarified that the project will include around 15 experts, including some from Slovakia, and, if it is necessary, he said, additional experts will be engaged. Mavromatis added that the focus of the project is the implementation of the Industrial Emissions Directive.

Photo: MIA