Republic of North Macedonia

Abstract

North Macedonia is exposed to climate change and natural hazards that pose substantial risks to public safety and public infrastructure, mainly from flooding and forest fires. North Macedonia has committed to an ambitious climate change mitigation and adaption agenda, reducing GHG emissions by more than 50 percent by 2030 compared to 1990. At the same time, North Macedonia has an aging fossil-fuel based energy generating infrastructure and potentially a large scope for improving energy efficiency. A scale-up of private and public investments, along with decommissioning old and polluting coal-based power plants is needed to meet emissions targets and support the green transition. Finally, North Macedonia will be impacted by the EU-Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (EU-CBAM). The authorities should consider a gradual introduction of carbon taxation to prepare for the EU-CBAM, as also envisioned in existing legislation.