Skopje, 30 May 2023 (MIA) – At the MEF Energy Forum 2023 on Tuesday, North Macedonia once again received confirmation of the European Union’s support in the implementation of energy reform, as well as recommendations – to secure greater inclusion of the private sector and the citizens in the entire process, and a clear methodology and criteria through which the priority of investments would be determined.

According to the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to North Macedonia, Julian Vassallo, in March 2023, North Macedonia received EUR 72 million. However, it is key, he stressed, for all Western Balkan countries to conclude the energy reforms.

“The message is clear, we are here, and we will stay to provide support during a crisis. The EU is your reliable partner in the acceleration of the energy transition, but the Government should accelerate the reform process and provide projects with clear methodology and criteria determining the priority of investments,” said Vassallo.

Vassallo touched upon the war in Ukraine, stating that much to Russia’s surprise, the EU is more united than ever before, and that now, it depends on reliable partners for the supply of resources.

“The war in Ukraine won’t disrupt our economies. Before the war, 45 percent of gas came from Russia, today this figure stands at 15 percent. Before the war, 45 percent of coal came from Russia, now this figure is zero. We strengthened solidarity in the EU,” said the Deputy Ambassador, and noted that a special package of EUR 500 million direct aid for the Western Balkans was created in order to help the countries tackle the challenges.

In his address at the forum, the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy to the Western Balkans, Martin Vickers, said the UK is the ideal partner on North Macedonia’s path towards a renewable future.

Vickers noted that apart from sun and wind, other types of renewable sources are available as well, such as hydrogen, biogas, nuclear and hydro energy.

“The Western Balkans is geographically diverse, but you can be assured that, regardless of the country, there are numerous types of renewable energy available. But, when you generate this energy, you need to have capacities to store it. I heard a lot of positive news from the Western Balkan governments concerning renewable sources of energy. I was encouraged by what I heard, the ambitious goals that will play an important role in supplying Europe’s energy needs. With the diversification of your combination of energy sources and research in new technologies, the goals can be turned into reality,” said Vickers.

Before Vassalo and Vickers, the Forum was also addressed by the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of economic affairs, Fatmir Bytyqi, U.S. Ambasador Angela Aggeler and the head of the Open Society Foundation for the Western Balkans, Andi Dobrushi.

The focus of the MEF Energy Forum 2023 are the green transition and energy resilience. President Stevo Pendarovski and former Croatian President Stipe Mesić are expected to address the Forum on Wednesday.