Macedonia faces the challenge of modernizing its energy sector, ensuring the sustainable development of mining, and establishing conditions for cleaner transport. Vehicles on Macedonian roads are, on average, around 20 years old, electric vehicles remain scarce, and the charging infrastructure for them is limited. These were among the issues discussed by the Minister of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozhinovska, and the President of the Economic Chamber, Branko Azeski.

The meeting focused on strategic priorities in energy and mining, as well as the imperative for legislation and development policies to align with business community needs.

One key topic was the drafting of the new National Energy Strategy, in which the Economic Chamber expressed readiness to participate actively alongside international partner organizations. During the discussions, it was emphasized that future energy policies must keep pace with technological advancements and emerging trends, while establishing a functional system capable of supporting economic growth.

The implementation of the Strategy for Mineral Resources also received backing from the business community. Azeski reaffirmed the Economic Chamber's commitment to cooperate with state institutions in realizing strategic objectives, aiming to foster conditions for the sustainable development of the sector.

Special attention was dedicated to the automotive industry and pathways for reducing harmful emissions. Bozhinovska noted that the average vehicle age in the country stands at roughly two decades, while the adoption rate of electric vehicles and the corresponding support infrastructure remain constrained.

In this context, the discussion addressed the gradual alignment with modern EU emission standards, alongside the creation of improved conditions for expanding e-mobility and enhancing air quality.

The meeting also covered the modernization of the regulatory framework governing public-private partnerships and concessions, highlighting the importance of engaging the business community in formulating functional and actionable legal solutions.

Bozhinovska and Azeski confirmed their mutual commitment to continued cooperation between the Ministry and the Economic Chamber, focusing on executing strategic policy documents, improving the legal framework, and fostering conditions for sustainable economic development.