Solutions to combat air pollution
North Macedonia has major problems with air pollution, especially in larger cities. Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, is one of the most polluted cities in Europe. During wintertime, levels of harmful particles in the air often reach dangerously high levels, significantly exceeding the safety levels specified in the WHO’s air quality guidelines, which is a health hazard for both residents and visitors in the country. The Swedish EPA has broad knowledge of the area and has been requested by the Embassy of Sweden in Skopje to assist North Macedonia with experience and technical solutions.
The Swedish EPA, together with the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), assist the responsible ministry in North Macedonia with knowledge and infrastructure to assess and monitor air quality in the country. We also help ensuring that technical solutions comply with EU standards regarding reporting of environmental data.
Species protection
Additionally, in the project, the Swedish EPA contributes with knowledge on species protection and the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species. The project organizes workshops for local and regional institutions and authorities. In the workshops, the Swedish Board for Agriculture and the Swedish Police Authority assist as experts.
Contaminated areas
During 2021 the Swedish EPA will further develop its cooperation with North Macedonia by initiating activities concerning contaminated areas.
EU accession
The EU approximation process entails extensive negotiations with the EU Commission and other EU agencies. To conduct the accession negotiations, EU legislation and standards are divided into 35 chapters. Chapter 27 comprises environment and climate, as one of the many areas covered by negotiations. Due to the substantial amount of legislation that is related to this area, it is considered challenging to meet the EU-standards on environment and climate.
North Macedonia strives to become an EU member state and have a candidate status since 2005. Within the frame of the project, Swedish EPA will contribute with knowledge and help the country prepare for Chapter 27. The support will be provided through educational activities regarding EU environmental legislation, as well as a helpdesk for the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning.
The Swedish EPA has contributed to the EU approximation process in several countries in the Western Balkans, such as Albania and Serbia. Through the project in North Macedonia we contribute to the country’s ability to become an EU member and for North Macedonia to meet the environment standards set by the EU acquis.
Sida’s financial support
The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) has granted the Swedish EPA roughly 11 million SEK to the bilateral project with North Macedonia. The project runs through 2019-2022 in close cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden in Skopje.