North Macedonia is heavily reliant on unsustainable energy sources which negatively impacts on the security and flexibility of supply, economic growth, the health of the population and the environment. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are currently five times greater than the EU average per unit of GDP, need to be reduced to bring them in line with commitments under the Paris Agreement. As an applicant country to join the EU, North Macedonia needs to ensure legal and regulatory compliance with numerous EU directives relating to energy and the environment. While the National Strategy for Energy Development 2040 lays out a roadmap to a cleaner and up-to-date energy sector, awareness of it remains low among key Government stakeholders, the energy sector and the public. It also needs to be underpinned by a clear implementation programme. Read more…