Skopje, 6 October 2022 (MIA) – Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski is taking part at a leaders’ roundtable dedicated to energy and economy, in the framework of the inaugural meeting of the European Political Community in Prague on Thursday. Roundtable discussions focus on the serious disruptions on the energy markets as a result of the Russian military aggression in Ukraine, and the need for cooperation and solidarity across Europe, so that countries secure energy resources through various supply sources, the Government said in a press release. PM Kovachevski stressed North Macedonia’s positions and current developments, as well as expectations and the necessity for cooperation to overcome the energy crisis. EU leaders highlighted that the region of the Western Balkans is one of the most affected areas because electricity production is based on lignite from outdated coal-fueled thermal plants, which are inefficient in the given context. In addition, economic situation in the countries and the reduced global economic growth was also discussed. Meeting participants concluded there is a need for new mechanisms and urgent assistance to ensure long-term investments that lead to growth, especially for financing of green and digital transition, reads the press release.