The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was granted candidate country status in 2005 while in 2009 the Commission assessed that the country sufficiently meet the political criteria and recommended the opening negotiations, which recommendation was reiterated in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

In the area of environment, the country further approximated to the environmental acquis in the area of horizontal legislation and waste management, with significant progress made in the sector of climate change and air quality.

The level of alignment is at an early stage. However, Macedonia has higher levels of in-country expertise compared with some of its neighbours, and some progress was made in compiling GHG inventories, introducing the EU ETS and reducing aviation emissions. The country signed the Paris Climate Agreement in April 2016, which still needs to be ratified. The legal ratification act is under the preparation by the government. The new climate strategy and climate law consistent with the EU 2030 framework is foreseen to be developed using the IPA II funds. This work should commence in 2018. The country needs to strengthen its efforts in adapting to climate change.

The main beneficiary institution of RIPAP in former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning.