The minister of energy, mining and mineral resources, Sanja Bozhinovska participated in the two-day „Freedom Forum”, an international political event organized by the Union of Young Forces in North Macedonia and the global network of center-right and conservative political youth organizations. The event brought together participants, young leaders from more than 45 countries, focusing on political, economic and strategic challenges, facing the younger generations in Europe and beyond.
The panel dedicated to energy, which minister Bozhinovska took part in, drew significant attention due to her direct and reasoned approach to energy policy-a topic that is crucial for any modern state today.
In her speech, minister Bozhinovska emphasized that since the establishment of the Ministry in 2024, the energy sector has gone through its most dynamic period of reforms so far.
„We faced the obligation for everything to move rapidly-to create institution from scratch, to stabilize the situation and establish a clear mission. Today I can say: after a long period, for the first time North Macedonia has a clear energy direction, concrete projects and regional partners who consider us as a serious player”, the minister highlighted.
Bozhinovska stressed that energy is a sector whereas there is no room for improvisation.
“Either you have data, strategy, infrastructure and partnerships-or you have nothing. That’s why the first thing we did was to bring order: to see where we are, what we have, what is missing and what can realistically be implemented at the pace needed for the modern energy markets”, the minister said.
She presented the key results: the start of the implementation of the gas interconnector with Greece, coordinated work with Serbia on the future interconnector, finalized energy connection with Albania, a new foundational Energy law, new laws on renewable energy sources, geology and mining, energy efficiency, accelerated procedures for connecting wind and solar capacities, a three-year plan for energy efficient renovation of public buildings, preparation of a master plan for the grid and investments.
In the panel discussion she also spoke also about the regional integration as a precondition for stability.
“A country cannot close itself off and to expect to solve all its energy challenges. In the energy sector, independence without connectivity means no longer security-today it is clear that only countries that are part of the global energy network system can be stable”.
She underlined that North Macedonia is making a turnaround in its positioning:
“The interconnector with Greece changes the way country accesses European markets and new gas sources. In parallel, we have created a new framework for functional regional cooperation with Serbia and Albania. In energy, you cannot stand alone. In the past, we sat alone. We did not actively participate in any significant forum where energy policy was being shaped-we were outsiders, excluded from main European and global processes. Today, it is no longer the case”.
She also recalled the October International Energy Forum, organized by the Ministry:
“Today North Macedonia not only sits at the table equally with other countries but also takes on the role of a host. At the 14th International Energy Forum for sustainable development (IFESD-14) held in Skopje, we brought those shaping energy future-over 800 participants from more than 70 countries. This is a clear message that North Macedonia is returning as a factor on the regional and European energy map.
Without dramatic steps-but calculated transition
On the question of the closing of coal capacities, Bozhinovska was direct:
“There is no closure without a plan, nor security without alternatives. I support smart, calculated steps with minimal risk and maximum stability. We are fully committed to the green transition-but not through quick improvisations, not a burden to the citizens and not without stable source of baseload energy. Let’s be realistic: today we already produce over 40 % electricity from renewable sources, but that applies when there is sun, wind or water. And we need energy at night, on days without wind and when hydrological conditions are poor. That is why we make transitions with order, a plan and alternatives.
The interconnectors are our insurance, we invest in parallel In renewable sources and energy efficiency, which for us is real production capacity-every kilowatt we save is a kilowatt that we don’t have to produce. This sector must not make dramatic, fast and dangerous leaps. We are taking steady, calculated steps-because energy is a place where you either have control, plan and order or you are not a factor”.
At the end the minister added:
“We have to be honest: nothing in energy is happening from today to tomorrow. For years the sector has been neglected, without clear plan, without investment and without real steps forward. What we are doing today is making the foundation-so that in the next 5 to 10 years North Macedonia will be safe, stable and energy independent. Today we finally have control, vision and clear direction-and we are holding to that direction”.
With regards,
Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources
