site.btaEuropean Investment Bank to Open Representation Office in Skopje

North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski, and European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice-President Robert De Groot signed an agreement on Wednesday to open an EIB representation office in Skopje, local media reported on Wednesday.

At a press conference following the signing, Mucunski said that the move represents a step towards deepening ties with the European Union (EU) and promoting partnerships with European institutions.

“The closer presence of the EIB represents a clear signal that our country is moving towards a modern, European, and competitive economy, open to investments and oriented towards long-term and sustainable growth. The new phase of cooperation that we are entering today coincides with the strategic goals of the Government, accelerating economic transformation, supporting the green transition, integration into the European economic and financial space, and adopting European successful practices and standards. Our commitment remains clear, to create conditions for stable growth, new investments, increased competitiveness, and better living conditions for citizens,” Mucunski emphasized.

He added that the EIB has already invested more than EUR 1.6 billion in key sectors critical to the country’s stable development.

De Groot underscored that it is a great honour to be in a country where the EIB has been active for decades. “This formal recognition of the status of the EIB in North Macedonia will allow us to deepen the connection, but also for our portfolio to grow in accordance with the priorities of the Government. As part of Team Europe and the new growth plan of the EC, we are ready to support our [North] Macedonian partners in delivering projects that will have a strong impact and promote sustainable development, connectivity, green transition, as well as improved health and education services for the benefit of citizens. I am confident that together we can build a stronger and more resilient future for North Macedonia and help on your path to EU accession,” de Groot said as quoted by the European Newsroom.