Start of the academic year marked by official opening of the reconstructed "Stiv Naumov" student dormitory in Skopje
The reconstructed "Stiv Naumov" student dormitory in Skopje was officially opened on 30 September 2026, adding 1,150 beds to the national student accommodation system. The renovation forms part of a wider project to reconstruct and improve the energy efficiency of state student dormitories in North Macedonia, financed by the German Development Bank (KfW) and the European Union through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).
Located in the Autokomanda district, the dormitory is one of the first two state dormitories to be fully reconstructed under the project, together with "Kuzman Josifovski-Pitu". The Ministry of Education and Science announced in May that construction works would be completed over the summer, followed by the furnishing of the rooms and other facilities.
The opening comes just as students are being admitted to state dormitories for the 2026/2027 academic year. The ministry's published lists include students admitted to "Stiv Naumov", as well as students placed there because capacity elsewhere was full.
Attending the event were Prime Minister Prof. Dr Hristijan Mickoski, Minister of Education and Science Prof. Dr Vesna Janevska, EU Ambassador Mihalis Rokas, German Ambassador Petra Drexler, and representatives of KfW.
Minister Janevska said that the buildings had for years suffered from neglect, poor living conditions and pollution. "I am extremely happy that we now have facilities transformed beyond recognition – modern buildings with a high level of energy efficiency, state-of-the-art equipment and technologies that meet the highest EU standards for the construction and outfitting of facilities of this kind," Minister Janevska said.
The dormitory accommodates 1,150 students, many of whom have already moved in. They can begin the new academic year without worrying about leaking water, cold rooms, a lack of hot water, or damp walls. The Minister urged students to use the facilities responsibly, stressing that the dormitory is public property and that responsible use will determine whether future generations can enjoy the same conditions.
A second fully renovated dormitory, "Kuzman Josifovski-Pitu" in the Centar municipality, will open very soon, providing an additional 280 places.
Prime Minister Mickoski said the renovation has created living conditions that rank among the best in the region, and encouraged students to focus on their studies and successfully complete their degrees.
"Investments in young people are investments in the future. This renovated dormitory will give students an environment where they can not only study but also exchange ideas and build friendships," said EU Ambassador Mihalis Rokas.
German Ambassador Petra Drexler emphasised that the project is the result of cooperation between German and European partners, KfW, the Ministry of Education and Science, and the Government.
Altogether, €20 million has been invested in the two dormitories, financed jointly by the Government, KfW and the European Union.
The investment is part of a wider programme to renovate nine state student dormitories, six schools with resource centres for students with special educational needs, and one secondary-school dormitory. The programme is worth €86 million in total: a €60 million loan from KfW on highly favourable terms, €22 million in EU grants, and approximately €4 million from the budget of the Ministry of Education and Science.
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About REEP
Launched in 2013 under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), the Regional Energy Efficiency Programme (REEP) supports renewable energy and energy efficiency investments across the region. With over €1 billion mobilised to date, it has refurbished more than 90 public buildings, supported 1,500 SMEs and 20,000 households. The achieved annual CO₂ emissions saved is equivalent to removing 183,000+ cars from the roads.
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About WBIF and Global Gateway
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) contributes directly to Global Gateway, the EU's strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport, while strengthening health, education and research systems worldwide. Global Gateway aims to mobilise up to €300 billion worldwide in investments through a Team Europe approach, bringing together the EU, its Member States and financial institutions to leverage investments for a transformational impact.