As part of the advocacy activities supporting the Civil Society Forum (CSF) objectives, on 20 July 2023, representatives of IPECC and the Open Society Foundation—Macedonia met with the Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, Kaja Shukova. IPECC leads the Thematic Working Group (TWG) on Climate and Green Agenda within the CSF of the Berlin Process.

During the meeting, discussions focused on how the Ministry can support the implementation of the TWG’s activities for the Climate and Green Agenda, thus aiding the realization of the final recommendations to be presented at this year’s Berlin Process Summit in October in Tirana.

The minister emphasized the importance of cooperation with civil society organizations and expressed her support for all processes that contribute to bringing North Macedonia closer to the European family and extending regional cooperation in the environment and climate change sectors.

The topics covered by the TWG for Climate and Green Agenda were also discussed. It was concluded that Green Infrastructure Investments, supported by the EU and other donors, are crucial for meeting Chapter 27 requirements, whereby regional cooperation can yield significant benefits. There is a pressing need to increase investments in the sector, which should be complemented by improving the capacities of central and local authorities. At the same time, Green Investments should equally prioritize investments in enhancing biodiversity and protecting natural resources.

The minister also stated that the final recommendations regarding the three key topics of the TWG should primarily be applicable and sustainable and should cover all sectors of society, including local governments, as one of the critical authorities for implementing environmental legislation and policies.

The Think Tank Working Group’s main focus was Green Infrastructure investments, with additional emphasis on Good Governance in the Environment, Biodiversity, and Protection of Natural Resources.