Works begin on the University Clinic for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Skopje

EU support through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) is helping to modernise the University Clinic for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Skopje. The investment will improve conditions for patients and healthcare staff and significantly increase the energy efficiency of the clinic's facilities. 

The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health signed a works contract in July 2026 and works started in September. 

Transforming healthcare infrastructure 

The reconstruction is based on an energy audit and includes thermal insulation for façades and roofs; new energy-efficient windows and doors; repairs to parts of the buildings and sanitary facilities; and modern LED lighting. Heating and cooling systems will also be upgraded in the eight interconnected buildings, with high-efficiency heat pumps and fan coil units replacing the existing fuel-oil system. 

These measures are expected to reduce energy consumption and operating costs, limit environmental impacts, and create a more modern and functional healthcare environment for patients and staff. 

The investment forms part of a wider project to renovate central government and public healthcare buildings through energy efficiency measures with the support of an EU grant of €2.2 million and a €25 million World Bank loan, coordinated through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). 

Parallel progress 

In addition to the University Clinic, works began on another component of this initiative in March 2026: renovating the 'Idadia' healthcare centre in Skopje. The 50-year-old building was suffering from a lack of insulation, an inefficient heating system and obsolete lighting that resulted in high energy consumption and maintenance costs. The works underway to insulate walls and roof, replace windows and doors and install a modern central heating system will significantly reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs and improve working conditions for healthcare professionals. 

For more information on WBIF's energy efficiency projects, read our latest factsheet.

This project is part of WBIF's broader commitment to Global Gateway, the EU's strategy to boost smart, clean, and secure connections worldwide.

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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.