North Macedonia and the EIB

Through framework loans and technical assistance, we are financing the construction and renovation of water supply, wastewater, and flood protection infrastructure across municipalities in North Macedonia, including the new wastewater treatment plant in Skopje. These projects improve access to safe drinking water, enhance sanitation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through better wastewater treatment and sludge digestion.

To help financial institutions and businesses address climate risks, we provide tailored support under our Greening Financial Systems programme. This comprehensive capacity-building initiative is helping the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia and local commercial banks strengthen their ability to assess and address climate-related risks, boost green investments among local businesses and support a sustainable economic transition.

Several cities are also benefitting from the City Climate Finance Gap Fund, which provides early-stage technical assistance to turn climate-focused ideas into viable urban projects.

To further support project preparation, investors can use the EIB Green Eligibility Checker, available in local languages, to assess whether planned investments qualify for green financing.

Together with the EU Delegation, the Development Bank of North Macedonia, and commercial banks, we are helping local companies grow, remain competitive, and transition towards a climate-neutral, inclusive, and sustainable model. Our support aims to create new investment and employment opportunities while advancing the green transition and decarbonisation of the private sector.

For example, our green financing programme has enabled small businesses to cut energy consumption, modernise machinery, and adopt circular economy models. These efforts have helped them lower their environmental footprint, adapt to EU carbon regulations, and strengthen their competitiveness.

We have contributed towards the modernising of North Macedonia’s main transport network leading to improved traffic circulation around Skopje. By building two motorway stretches in the Northwest and Southeast part of the country, we have facilitated international traffic and fostered exports.

Under the Global Gateway initiative, we aim to finance the construction of the Eastern Section of the Corridor VIII railway, linking the city of Kriva Palanka to the Bulgarian border.

Together with the European Union (EU) and The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), we are supporting the construction of a gas interconnector between North Macedonia and Greece. This project will diversify supply, strengthen energy security, and help position the country as a regional energy hub.