Skopje, 24 June 2026 – The Ministry for European Affairs hosted the high-level meeting marking the start of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) Monitoring Mission in North Macedonia, bringing together representatives of the European Commission, the European Union Delegation, International Financial Institutions, line ministries and implementing institutions.
Opening the meeting, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs Bekim Sali emphasized that the WBIF remains one of the most important instruments supporting the country's economic development, regional connectivity and European integration process.
“Our responsibility does not end with securing financing. The true measure of success is implementation. Every completed project means more opportunities for citizens, a more competitive economy and a higher quality of life,” Minister Sali stated.
He underlined that monitoring should be regarded as a strategic governance tool that enables the early identification of challenges, more efficient institutional coordination and results-oriented decision-making.
Participants discussed the key challenges affecting infrastructure project implementation, including the capacities of Project Implementation Units, procurement procedures, changes in project scope, interinstitutional coordination and administrative procedures related to permits and approvals.
Minister Sali stressed that the Reform Agenda and the Reform and Growth Facility have introduced a more strategic approach to investment planning, while the focus in the coming period should be on increasing implementation efficiency and delivering tangible benefits to citizens.
The participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening monitoring mechanisms, enhancing institutional capacities and accelerating the implementation of strategic projects that contribute to economic growth and the country's progress towards European Union membership.
The WBIF Monitoring Mission will continue over the next two days with sectoral meetings dedicated to transport, energy and environment, as well as a site visit to the Skopje Wastewater Treatment Plant project.
