On November 27, 2024, at 12:00 PM, a panel discussion titled “EU Standards for Green Transformation in the Western Balkans” was held at the Faculty of Economics – Skopje, to mark the silver jubilee of postgraduate studies in European Economic Studies. The European Union supported the event within the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Chair project titled “Enhancing Knowledge of the EU Internal Market – Expanding the Perspectives of Candidate Countries.”
The panelists of the event were:
Dr. Daniel Bogner is an expert in biodiversity and environmental management actively engaged in EU-funded projects in the Republic of North Macedonia in the area of biodiversity.
Dr. Zlatko Vetrovski, a distinguished expert in customs policy with extensive experience at the Customs Administration of North Macedonia.
Mr. Stefan Ristovski, is a researcher at the European Policy Institute – Skopje, focusing on monitoring North Macedonia’s EU accession process and EU sectoral policies.
The event has more than 100 participants: Professors from the Faculty of Economics-Skopje, Faculty of Law “Iustinianus Primus”, students from undergraduate studies, present and former Master students of the postgraduate studies “European Economic Studies”, professors and students from the Secondary School of Economics and Law “Vasil Antevski Dren”, representatives from the Ministries in North Macedonia, a representative from the business sector, representatives from the non-formal sector and other interested guests.
The speakers addressed key issues related to climate change and the green transformation in the Western Balkans region, with a particular focus on North Macedonia. The EU’s ambitious plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has created a new challenge for Macedonian companies seeking entry into the EU Internal Market. Nonetheless, North Macedonia, along with other Western Balkan countries, committed to the green transition in 2020, aligning with the European Union’s environmental goals.
This progress encompasses policy reforms, regional cooperation, and a transition to renewable energy sources. The Western Balkans have the potential to significantly contribute to their sustainable development for the benefit of all citizens!
The event was streamed live on the Facebook profile of the Faculty of Economics-Skopje, garnering an impressive 4.6 thousand views.