Macedonia's Energy Ministry Confirms Progress: Two Reform Steps Fully Completed, EU Commission Validates Transition Plan
The European Commission has officially confirmed that North Macedonia has fully completed two key reform steps in its energy transition agenda. The Ministry of Energy is implementing the 2024–2027 Reform Agenda, aligning national legislation with EU energy law and accelerating the shift toward renewable energy.
The Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources (MERMIS) of North Macedonia is actively implementing the Reform Agenda 2024–2027 in the field of energy transition — simultaneously conducting reform activities and aligning national legislation with European energy law. The results are now being formally recognised at the highest level.
In its report of 20 May 2026, the European Commission officially confirmed that two reform steps have been fully completed, representing a significant milestone in Macedonia's energy transition journey and its broader EU integration path.
What Has Been Completed
The first fully completed reform step concerns the establishment and full operationalisation of governance structures for the just transition process. This involves the complete transposition of the Electricity Market Integration Package, in line with the requirements of the Energy Community, and the gradual reduction of public intervention in electricity price-setting — a key structural reform that brings Macedonia's energy market closer to EU standards.
The second completed reform step relates to the introduction of measurement and billing based on actual electricity consumption, replacing the older system of estimated billing. This reform directly benefits consumers and creates a more transparent, efficient energy market.
✅ Reform Step 1: Just transition governance structures — fully completed
✅ Reform Step 2: Measurement and billing by actual consumption — fully completed
🔄 Additional steps: ongoing, with grace periods
📅 Remaining deadlines: December 2026, June 2027, December 2027
🏛️ Confirmed by: European Commission Report, 20 May 2026
Ongoing Reforms: Solar, Smart Metering and Green Hydrogen
Beyond the two confirmed steps, MERMIS is actively pursuing a broad portfolio of additional reforms. These include simplifying and accelerating permit procedures for photovoltaic (solar) installations — both for large solar plants and rooftop systems for households and businesses. Currently, installing PV systems in North Macedonia involves complex administrative procedures and extensive technical documentation; the reform aims to significantly streamline this process.
The Ministry is also pursuing a feasibility assessment of pumped-storage hydropower, electrochemical batteries, thermal storage and green hydrogen — strategic storage technologies that will be essential as the share of variable renewable energy in the grid increases.
Why This Matters for Macedonia's EU Path
The energy transition reforms are not merely technical — they are a direct condition for Macedonia's access to EU funds under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which links financial support to measurable reform progress. Every completed step confirmed by the European Commission unlocks access to additional financing and strengthens Macedonia's standing in the accession process.
For ordinary citizens, the reforms translate into a more stable energy supply, fairer billing, cleaner energy and — over time — lower dependence on imported fossil fuels whose prices are determined by global markets far beyond Macedonia's control.
MKNews Hub · Економија · 22 July 2026