Macedonian delegation, led by the minister of energy, mining and mineral resources, Sanja Bozhinovska, together with the team from the Oil and Gas Department of the Ministry and senior officials from Nomagas, MEMO, and MEPSO, visited Belgrade at the invitation of the Serbian minister of mining and energy.
The director of Nomagas, Mr. Nedim Rama, the deputy director of MEPSO, Mr. Aleksandar Paunovski, the director of MEMO, Mr. Zoran Gjorgjievski and the head of the Oil and Gas Department at the Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources, Mr. Goran Nikolovski were also part of the delegation. The main focus of the visit was the accelerated implementation of the gas interconnector between North Macedonia and Serbia—a project of strategic importance for regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
During the working meeting, key technical, financial, and institutional steps necessary to continue the construction activities of the interconnector were discussed. This infrastructure project, with a total length of approximately 67 kilometers (23 km on the territory of North Macedonia and 44 km in Serbia), will connect the gas systems of the two countries—on the Macedonian side through a connection near Klechovce, and in Serbia to the national gas transmission network near Vranje.
There is interest in financing the interconnector from the World Bank as well as other commercial banks, as it represents part of a broader vision for an integrated, diversified, and secure regional gas market.
Minister Sanja Bozhinovska emphasized that the project is progressing in line with an established and coordinated timeline agreed between the two working groups.
“The interconnector with Serbia is a key project that will open our country to new sources of gas and strengthen regional energy stability. But this is also one of the most important infrastructure links for the entire region—significant not only for North Macedonia and Serbia, but for all of Europe. We have completed studies, an agreed route, and coordinated action already underway. Our goal is for the interconnector to become a reality as soon as possible, because every day matters for the security of citizens and the economy”, Bozhinovska stressed.
On her part, the Serbian minister of mining and energy, Dubravka Handanovic Gjurovic, underlined the importance of a shared regional vision:
“The gas interconnector with North Macedonia is a project whose significance goes beyond our borders. It is part of a vision for a region that is energy-connected, stable, and aligned with European objectives. Cooperation with minister Bozhinovska and the Macedonian team is intensive and constructive. With the support of ‘Transport Gas Srbija’ and ‘Nomagas,’ we will create a new energy axis of stability between the two countries. We agreed on intensive regular meetings, with the goal of making the interconnector a reality in the near future.”
Expected Timeline and Next Steps
Both delegations confirmed their full commitment to intensive coordination and the timely fulfillment of all obligations. According to the agreed schedule:
- Construction of the interconnector is expected to be completed during 2027.
- In 2028, the first gas is expected to flow through the new pipeline.
- The interconnector is also planned to be technically prepared for future hydrogen transport, in line with long-term European energy goals and green policies.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the joint commitment for strong institutional and technical coordination with a clear goal was reaffirmed —the North Macedonia–Serbia gas interconnector to become a functional, modern, and secure energy link that will ensure greater security, diversification and regional integration, in the interest of citizens, the economy, and the entire region.
With regards,
Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resource
