MPs of North Macedonia discussing tasks and challenges under chapters 15 and 27 of EU law

Bringing together parliamentarians of the Republic of North Macedonia, representatives of the Ministry for Economy and Ministry of Environment, the Secretariat for European Affairs and the NGO sector, the Open Regional Fund for South-East Europe – Energy Efficiency (ORF-EE) in collaboration with its partner Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM), held a Parliamentary Hearing in the premises of the North Macedonian Parliament on March 13.

The meeting had a coordination focus and featured a discussion on the possibilities for improvement of the sector cooperation with the aim of faster and more efficient closing of chapters 15 (energy efficiency) and 27 (environment) of the EU negotiating framework. Participants addressed challenges and tasks that stand before the Republic of North Macedonia in light of the negotiations for full membership in the EU. Special attention was paid to the need to strengthen the administrative capacity of the relevant institutions to effectively lead the negotiation process and implement the directives and regulations imposed under the EU law.

MPs Liljana Zaturoska, Maja Morachanin and Hari Lokvenec emphasized that there have been cases when adoption of a new law unconsciously lead to a collision with another already existing one, especially in the area of laws related to the environment and mineral resources. They reminded that such situations needed to be avoided and adequately dealt with. At the meeting it was also emphasized that the new Law on Energy Efficiency is in the last stages and that the adoption is expected at the end of May, after the presidential elections.

GIZ ORF-EE and CRPM representatives, Samir Memedov and Zlatko Simonovski used the opportunity to present the White Paper, titled “Challenges and Tasks referring to Chapters 15 and 27 of EU Law”, a guideline on energy efficiency and climate change. The document outlines expectations and obligations under both Chapters, which are considered particularly important for North Macedonia. Precise tasks and obligations have been highlighted in the Paper trough clear benchmarks, targeting effective harmonization with EU law and international agreements the country has signed and ratified.

All participants of the Parliamentary Hearing were unanimous that this format of coordination and cooperation must continue in the future. The next meeting is expected to outline specific points for discussion and exchange, helping speed up the opening and closing of Chapters 15 and 27.