North Macedonia

North Macedonia

Print To PDF

North Macedonia

  • Population: 1.8 million
  • GDP: €12.9 billion
  • GDP per capita: €5,170
  • Public debt: 50.4% GDP
  • EU candidate: Candidate country since December 2005

'WBIF investments are instrumental in connecting people, creating jobs and boosting economic development in North Macedonia and the entire Western Balkans. WBIF projects bring tangible benefits to the lives of people and accelerate the EU integration of the region.'

Ambassador David Geer

Since 2009, the WBIF has supported estimated investments of €3 billion in the public sector in North Macedonia.

The country has benefitted from 48 grants for €486.5 million in technical assistance and investment co-financing. The EU IPA grant support channelled through the WBIF accounts for €466.3 million and covers both technical assistance and investment works. Other donors have contributed €20.2 million as well. 

€486.5 m

Investment grants:  €457.3m

Technical assistance: €29.2m

€3bn

€900m

WBIF grants

Transport

Sustainable transport

€306.4m

Energy

Clean energy

€69.4m

Environment & climate

€97.8m

Human capital

€12.9m

Digital future

-

Private sector competitiveness

Breakdown of support provided below

Total

€486.5m

Achieved results

2009 – 2022

  • 46.8 MW renewable energy generation capacity installed
  • 70 km of transmission lines upgraded
  • Better schools for more than 78,000 students per year
  • Healthcare research and treatment facilities for 1.8 million people

Expected results

2023 – 2030

  • 957 MW renewable energy generation capacity installed
  • 107 km of future-proof gas pipelines built
  • 205 km of railway lines rehabilitated
  • Efficient solid waste services for 1.4 million people

Support to Private Sector

wb edif

The Western Balkans Enterprise Development & Innovation Facility

  • €21.9m in financing for SMEs
  • 118 SMEs supported in North Macedonia
efse

European Fund for Southeast Europe

  • €216 million in sub-loans since inception
  • 10,929 borrowers since inception
  • 49 projects supported since inception
ggf.

Green for Growth Fund

  • €51.6 million sub-loan investments since inception
  • 229,405 MWh/year primary energy savings
  • 65,108 tCO2/year emissions reduction
regional energy

The Regional Energy Efficiency Programme

  • €19.5m in financing for residential sector (GEFF)
  • €2.2m in direct financing for private sector

Latest North Macedonia News

View All
Better living conditions for students in North Macedonia as renovation programme begins
image

12-02-2024

Better living conditions for students in North Macedonia as renovation programme begins

Works start on two dormitories in Skopje as part of the Regional Energy Efficiency Programme that also improve...

Learn more
North Macedonia stirring towards a greener future
image

16-01-2023

North Macedonia stirring towards a greener future

With EU support, North Macedonia is confidently increasing its green energy generation capacity.

Learn more
EU-funded solar plant starts operating in North Macedonia
image

06-04-2022

EU-funded solar plant starts operating in North Macedonia

The first large-scale solar plant in North Macedonia ‒ financed with the support of the European Union, WBIF b...

Learn more

Videos

Publications

View All
North Macedonia and the Western Balkans Investment Framework
image

30-03-2023

North Macedonia and the Western Balkans Investment Framework

Brochure on WBIF activities in North Macedonia in English (last updated in March 2023). 

Learn more
Economic and Investment Plan: Endorsed Flagship Investments 2020-2022
image

01-03-2023

Economic and Investment Plan: Endorsed Flagship Investments 2020-2022

Booklet on flagship investments endorsed under the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans in 202...

Learn more
Energy Support Package for the Western Balkans
image

14-12-2022

Energy Support Package for the Western Balkans

Booklet on the Energy Support Package for the Western Balkans approved by the European Commission on 5 Decembe...

Learn more

Partner Financial Organisations

Western Balkans Partners