Skopje, 1 November 2023 (MIA) - We will not give up on demanding that pipeline capacities be freed up and taxes be scrapped as they are unfairly imposed and have nothing in common with the EU's market principles and directives. If necessary, we will take it to international courts, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski said on Wednesday.

Kovachevski told reporters that such a fee would cause the price of electricity and heating in the country to increase by 20 percent, which is why they asked for capacities to be freed up so that North Macedonia can procure natural gas from other sources, not Russian, and not be burdened with additional taxes.

"Talks are currently being held with the EU and Bulgaria with the relevant ministry to see what can be done. Last year, together with the EU and Bulgaria we managed to free up pipeline capacities that were not exclusively owned by Gazprom and I hope that we will be able to do the same this year as well," Kovachevski added after Wednesday's National Insurance Day event. ssh/nn/

Photo: MIA