European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice-President Robert de Groot, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timčo Mucunski have signed a Host Country Agreement to advance strategic cooperation between the EIB and North Macedonia, the bank announced. Since 1991, the EIB has invested €1.6 billion to support Macedonia’s vital economic infrastructure, municipalities and businesses. EIB Global, the development arm of the EU Bank, expects to expand this support to healthcare and education while scaling up technical assistance.
The new agreement will allow the EIB to strengthen cooperation and maximize financial and technical support in key areas such as healthcare and education. As the EU bank, the EIB has invested €1.6 billion in North Macedonia in sustainable projects, leading to better water supply and sanitation conditions, modern transport links, stronger businesses, and improved energy security. “This agreement strengthens our partnership and reaffirms our shared goals—supporting North Macedonia’s path towards EU integration, improved regional connectivity and the green transition,” said EIB Vice-President de Groot at the signing ceremony in Skopje.
“As of today, the EIB will be even closer to state institutions, local governments, and Macedonian companies, providing support for the implementation of their development investments and projects,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timčo Mucunski. “The closer presence of the EIB represents a clear signal that our country is moving toward a modern, European, and competitive economy—open to investment and oriented toward long-term and sustainable growth.”
The European Union is actively supporting North Macedonia across several key areas as part of its broader effort to help the country’s EU integration and sustainable development.
“As the EU’s lending arm, the EIB plays a pivotal role in translating the EU’s commitment to North Macedonia’s EU integration into concrete projects,” said EU Ambassador to North Macedonia Michalis Rokas. “Together, under the Team Europe approach, we are investing in the country’s transformation—supporting sustainable and inclusive growth, modern infrastructure, and better living standards for all.”
During his visit, Vice-President de Groot also met with Minister of Finance Gordana Dimitrieska-Kočoska, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski, Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska, and representatives of the Development Bank of North Macedonia.
In 2025, EIB Global partnered with the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia to launch the online Decarbonisation Guide and is working with local banks to strengthen climate risk practices. In collaboration with the Development Bank of North Macedonia, €650 million in financing has been provided to 920 companies since 2019, sustaining over 61,000 jobs and creating around 2,000 new ones. The Host Country Agreement marks a step forward in deepening the bank’s engagement in the country and supporting its EU accession process.
