The 12th Ministerial meeting of the Advisory council on the Southern gas corridor and the 4th Ministerial meeting of the Advisory council on green energy were held on 3rd of March 2026 in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, with the participation of representatives from 27 countries, 11 international financial institutions and 49 energy companies, as well as high-level officials from the region.
Goran Nikolovski, head of the Gas Department at the Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources attended the event. In his address to the ministers, he emphasized that North Macedonia is strengthening its role in regional energy cooperation and continuously contributing to a stable, diversified and sustainable energy system in Europe.
Nikolovski highlighted that natural gas remains a key bridge in the transition toward a cleaner energy mix, enabling the replacement of low-quality fuels, reducing air pollution and modernizing the industry. The country is focused on two strategic interconnectors:
· Greece-North Macedonia, scheduled for completion in 2027, which will provide direct access to the Trans-Adriatic pipeline and regional LNG terminals, strengthening energy security and reducing supply risks.
· North Macedonia-Serbia, planned for 2028, which will enhance gas connectivity in the Western Balkans and enable regional integration and supply security.
Both interconnectors are hydrogen-ready, with the capacity to transport up to 100% hydrogen, creating the future hydrogen corridor that will connect Greece, North Macedonia and Serbia with the European grid.
He noted that North Macedonia has approximately 2 gigawatts of installed renewable capacity and that balancing through natural gas is especially important during night hours and periods of reduced production.
Regarding cooperation with Azerbaijan, Nikolovski informed that working groups between the responsible institutions of both countries have already been established, aiming to further deepen the partnership in the field of gas and energy infrastructure. He recalled that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in December 2024, and after the completion of the key gas projects in the country, a new document is planned, which will provide a broader and long-term framework for cooperation.
„There are sufficient natural gas reserves, especially in Southeast Europe. This initiative represents a real opportunity for diversification of gas supply in Europe and for further strengthening of European energy security “, Nikolovski emphasized.
The Ministry remains committed to advancing strategic energy infrastructure; expanding regional and international cooperation; ensuring a secure and sustainable energy transition; contributing to a diversified, interconnected and resilient European energy system.
The results and future steps of the Advisory council on the Southern gas corridor and the Advisory council on Green Energy were presented. With its active participation in the Ministerial meeting in Baku, North Macedonia sends a clear message that it remains a committed and reliable partner in building a stable, diversified and sustainable European energy system.
With regards,
Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources
