President of the Economic Chamber, Branko Azeski, accompanied by his colleagues, held a working meeting with Björn Gabriel, representative of the European Investment Bank (EIB). The meeting focused on current EIB projects in our country and opportunities to strengthen cooperation.

Azeski emphasized that the Economic Chamber strongly supports EIB’s long-term commitment to financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as transport, energy, and infrastructure projects critical to the national economy and regional connectivity.

He highlighted that robust economic policies and a favorable business environment are essential for fostering private investments. For medium-term economic growth, key aspects must include improving infrastructure, increasing exports, and boosting investments. Azeski further stated that rule of law, a foreseeable operational framework, and transparent legislative processes affecting businesses are vital. Additionally, the Economic Chamber President underscored the need for more green and digitalized companies to enhance profitability and productivity.

Azeski informed Gabriel of the Chamber’s focus on the European Commission’s Western Balkans Growth Plan, which aims to accelerate accession and economic convergence in the region. The plan includes a long-term strategy for regional connectivity, smoother green transitions, and fostering private sector development.

Björn Gabriel highlighted that the EIB has been a longstanding partner of our country, providing €1.6 billion to date for the construction of roads, railways, energy, and water supply networks while supporting the growth of SMEs.

In the private sector, the cooperation between the NBRNM and EIB has allocated €601 million to support more than 2,420 local companies to date. Through their partner bank network, EIB has supported over 2,500 projects across different sectors, with 60% of its total financing in the country directed toward SMEs.

Looking ahead, Gabriel noted that the EIB plans to continue supporting the construction of railway sections on Corridor VIII, development of SMEs, and renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, which are strategically important for the country’s green transition.

At the end of the meeting, it was jointly concluded that the excellent cooperation in recent years, which led to the development of a Decarbonization Guide for the private sector, will continue in the future.

The European Investment Bank is the European Union’s lending institution and one of the largest multilateral financial institutions in the world.

EIB has been active in North Macedonia since its establishment in 1991, providing financial support for critical infrastructure projects, local authorities, and SMEs. To date, the EIB has provided €1.1 billion for SME financing, as well as for transport, energy, and utility infrastructure projects.