Category: Western Balkans
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North Macedonia’s Agency for Innovation and Technological Development (INOVA) launches €25 million in grants to support the green transformation of companies
North Macedonia’s Agency for Innovation and Technological Development (INOVA) launched a EUR 25 million project to support the green transformation of companies in the 2026–2030 period. Grants ranging from EUR 5,000 to EUR 300,000 will be available for small, micro and medium-sized enterprises. The grant scheme amounts to EUR 25…
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Blockage of freight border crossings between the Balkans and Schengen countries announced for January 26th.
Truck drivers from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina plan to block all border crossings for freight to Schengen countries on January 26 due to issues with the new Entry/Exit System. This blockage may also impact Macedonian factories delivering goods to the Schengen area or the UK, although passenger traffic should…
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Belgium among the world’s 20 safest countries in 2025, North Macedonia 2nd in the Western Balkans
The Global Peace Index 2025 ranks Belgium 16th and North Macedonia 51st in peacefulness among 163 countries. The report highlights a significant decline in global peace due to increased conflict deaths, geopolitical tensions, and social fragmentation, marking a transformation in the global order reminiscent of the Cold War era.
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Exporting CO2 becomes regulated towards the EU or US. Join the webinar about CBAM
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) introduces new reporting duties for businesses exporting to or importing from the EU, targeting sectors like cement and complex steel products. GIZ North Macedonia offers an online course to help companies navigate these regulations, scheduled for May 22, 2025. Registration details are provided.
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US Reciprocal tariff update announced
The US has introduced reciprocal tariffs alongside existing ones, with rates varying by country: EU 20%, North Macedonia 33%, Albania 10%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 36%, Kosovo 10%, Montenegro 10%, and Serbia 38%. These tariffs are based on trade deficits and minimum rates for all nations.
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CE Marking Platform to facilitate exports
WB6 CIF has launched the CE Marking Platform, aiding SMEs in the Western Balkans to acquire EU certificates by complying with health, safety, and environmental standards. The platform offers product guidance under applicable directives and includes detailed instructions. A training session is scheduled for December 11, 2024, in North Macedonia.