The Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, together with the National Electricity Market Operator (MEMO), participated in the second edition of the Electricity Market Integration Forum – “Taking Implicit Electricity Market Coupling Beyond EU Borders”, held at the European Parliament in Brussels.
During the panel session dedicated to the expansion of the European electricity market by 2026, Minister Sanja Božinovska engaged in discussions with high-level representatives from the European Parliament, ACER, regional electricity exchanges, and institutions from the Western Balkans.
“The integration of Macedonian organized electricity market into the Single European Market is of strategic importance for the country. The Ministry fully supports the process implemented by MEMO. This is a serious investment – increased market liquidity, more competitive prices, and greater security of supply, which directly impacts economic stability and predictability,” emphasized the Minister.
Additionally, Minister Božinovska pointed out that integration with the European market could provide protection from the financial effects of the EU’s CBAM mechanism, which would mean significant economic benefits for Macedonian companies.
In her address, the Minister recalled that the market coupling process began as early as 2017–2018, and is now in a delicate phase, focusing on the transposition of EU legislation and the implementation of the MCO IP (Market Coupling Operator Implementation Plan) under the jurisdiction of ACER (European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators).
“Due to uncertainties surrounding the impact of CBAM, it was imperative for market coupling to occur before 2026. Although we are now beyond that timeframe, it is realistic to aim for coupling between the fourth quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027,” said Božinovska, calling for strengthened cooperation between the EU and membership-aspiring countries.
In the context of the country’s new energy vision, the Minister informed that the Parliament adopted the new EU-aligned Energy Law last week – laying the foundation for a modern, clean, and fair energy system.
“The creation of a dedicated Ministry of Energy, as well as the new law, are proof of the seriousness with which we approach this sector. The law means more renewable sources, reduced losses, an open market, and a greater role for citizens as both producers and consumers of energy,” the Minister added.
In her closing remarks, Minister Božinovska sent a message to European decision-makers:
“Let’s work together to accelerate market coupling. The benefits are mutual – from energy security to economic growth. Only through enhanced cooperation we can build a stable, integrated European electricity system that benefits everyone.”
The Forum in Brussels gathered over 100 representatives from energy exchanges, regulators, and institutions from the EU and the Western Balkans, aiming to secure political and regulatory support for faster integration of Energy Community countries into the Single European Electricity Market.
