Shukova: Country needs comprehensive legal framework designed in line with EU climate legislation
Skopje, 23 March 2023 (MIA) - The Republic of North Macedonia needs a comprehensive legal framework designed in line with the climate legislation of the European Union, which will provide a solid legal basis for strategic planning and policy-making according to the EU's 2050 climate and energy policy framework, Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Kaja Shukova told a public debate on the draft wording of the Law on Climate Action.
The Minister pointed out it is also necessary to establish a legal basis for coordinated action at a national level in terms of mitigation and adaptation to climate change, including the transposition and implementation of EU climate legislation and a clear establishment of a legal basis to set the responsibilities of institutions and the business community, their role and the way of exchanging information.
"There are currently no necessary regulatory measures and adequate institutional setup needed to ensure the harmonization of national legislation with the EU climate legislation, as well as the implementation of regulatory measures. The current climate legislation is insufficient and limited in its scope and objectives. There is inconsistency especially with regard to the transposition and implementation of the monitoring and reporting mechanism, and it is an obligation for it to be transposed according to the decisions of the Ministerial Council of the Energy Community and the roadmap for decarbonization," said Shukova.
The draft law, she added, adapts several legal acts at the EU level, to the extent possible according to our status as a country with an open process of a full-fledged member of the European family.
"Climate action is at the core of the European Green Deal, and we certainly strive for its implementation. It represents a turning point in the EU's green policies and brings with it a package of measures from several areas. The overall goal of the Green Deal is to transform the EU into a modern, sustainable economy and achieve climate neutrality in the EU by 2050," Shukova said.
