23rd November 2022, Skopje – Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning make EUR 50 million available as direct financial support to the municipalities in the Republic of North Macedonia for implementation of projects aimed at improving the water infrastructure. Today, Minister of Finance, Fatmir Besimi, EIB Vice-President, Lilyana Pavlova, and Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Naser Nuredini, signed the contracts for the implementation of the Project, with the EU Ambassador David Geer also attending the event.
“Under the Contract, demonstrating the continuous support North Macedonia is extended by EIB, the Government makes EUR 50 million available as direct financial support to be distributed to the municipalities and the municipalities in the City of Skopje as a donation for implementation of utility infrastructure projects. The Project is part of the policies of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia for balanced regional development, with development of the municipalities expected to be stimulated through investments in utility infrastructure”, Minister Besimi underlined at the signing ceremony.
He went on by saying that this will also contribute to improving the living conditions for the citizens, in particular in the rural areas, and meeting the EU standards.
EIB Vice-President, Lilyana Pavlova, pointed out that this is a strategic investment for the country under Team Europe support and a priority when it comes to providing better living conditions to citizens, as well as EU accession path and alignment with the EU standards. “It will help, she emphasized, providing financial resources in the water sector and provide our local partners with a long-term financing source to address their needs and sustainability goals.”
The Project will be implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning.
“We have already commenced identifying the needs of the local government and expect for they to show maturity and sufficient capacity to provide the necessary documentation all to the end of fast and successful implementation which will open up new investment opportunities. Provision of clean water for all citizens is one of the top priorities on the road to the European Union”, Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Naser Nuredini, underlined.
Funds will be used for rehabilitation, modernization and extension of water supply infrastructure, wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure, storm water systems and emergency flood protection measures, as well as supply of specialized maintenance equipment.
Loan terms and conditions are exceptionally favourable. Repayment period is up to 25 years, including a grace period of up to 5 years.
EIB is our major partner in implementing priority projects in the field of energy, infrastructure connection, green transition, as well as boosted competitiveness of the national companies.
Since 1991, EIB has supported our economy investing more than 1 billion euros in development of vital infrastructure projects and supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises, with its current support to public sector projects amounting to around EUR 200 million.
