BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 23. The Economic
Chamber of North Macedonia has produced the first decarbonisation
guide for the country’s small businesses with support from the
European Union, Trend reports.
The digital tool provides step-by-step guidance on the most
effective ways for a range of local companies to reduce their
carbon footprint as part of the worldwide fight against climate
change.
The Chamber developed the guide in cooperation with the European
Investment Bank Advisory team and the EU delegation in Skopje. The
business association is the oldest and largest chamber of commerce
in North Macedonia. The tool was unveiled today in Skopje at a
conference attended by more than 100 entrepreneurs from all sectors
of the North Macedonian economy.
“The Decarbonisation Guide marks a milestone in our country’s
green transition, equipping businesses with the tools they need to
act now,” said North Macedonian Minister of Energy, Mining and
Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska.
The guide is designed to help companies reduce their greenhouse
gas emissions and adapt to international climate rules such as the
European Union’s tax on carbon-intensive imports – the Carbon
Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) – while remaining competitive.
It will help North Macedonia as a whole move towards a low-carbon
economy. On the Economic Chamber’s website, the guide takes the
form of an interactive platform and was created with EIB Global
financing.
“This guide comes at a crucial time as North Macedonia advances
its green transition and prepares for upcoming carbon regulations.
We are proud to support businesses in modernising their operations
and help drive sustainable transformation across the country,” said
EIB Representative to North Macedonia Björn Gabriel.
A key feature of the platform is a carbon-footprint calculator
that covers nearly 60 energy sources and refrigerants. Information
is also available about EU and domestic climate regulations, as
well as opportunities for funding such as subsidies. The platform
also presents practical case studies and success stories from
leading companies to highlight clean energy benefits.
The European Union has been a long-standing partner of North
Macedonia, helping its businesses prepare for accession and compete
effectively in the European single market.
“Decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy are
all powerful tools to build a more innovative, resilient, and
competitive economy.,” said EU Ambassador to North Macedonia
Michalis Rochas. “North Macedonia has shown strong commitment
through its National Energy and Climate Plan as a vision where
business growth and climate responsibility go hand in hand. Now it
is time to turn this vision into action, across all sectors of the
economy and especially within industry and among small and
medium-sized enterprises (SME), the backbone of this country’s
economy. If each SME takes even a few meaningful steps towards
greener business practices, the combined impact across more than
68,000 enterprises will be truly transformative,” he concluded.
