Kick-off meeting of the project “Green for Good”

On October 15, 2025, the kick-off meeting of the Green for Good (G4G) project was held in Gevgelija, organized by the partner CISS International Cooperation South South Branch Skopje. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Centre for development of the South-East planning Region as the lead partner of the project, along with other project partners from Greece, the Center for Research and Technological Development – ​​CERTH and the Municipality of Thermi.

The event marked the official start of the implementation of the project, which is being implemented within the framework of the Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Interreg IPA Greece – North Macedonia 2021–2027, co-financed by the European Union and the national funds of the participating countries.

During the meeting, the partners presented their activities and roles in the project. Representatives of the Centre as the lead partner presented the activities related to the coordination, administrative management and implementation of the main investment – ​​procurement and installation of six fast electric chargers in the Municipalities of Valandovo, Strumica, Radovish, Gevgelija, Dojran and Novo Selo.

A special part of the agenda was dedicated to the visit of the location in Gevgelija, which within the framework of the project will be transformed into a Center for Education for Renewable Energy Sources. This center will serve as a place for training, workshops and activities to raise public awareness about sustainable energy and environmental protection.

The “Green for Good” project aims to encourage the development of a low-carbon economy, strengthen the use of renewable energy sources and contribute to sustainable tourism and green transition in the cross-border region between North Macedonia and Greece.

Through joint activities and partnerships, the project contributes to achieving the goals of the European Green Deal and creating a cleaner, more resilient and sustainable future for the region.

Working meeting for the implementation of the SEBCoVE project – Smart Electricity for Buildings

On October 14, 2025, a full-day working meeting dedicated to the implementation of the SEBCoVE (Smart Electric Buildings Competence Vocational Excellence) project was held in Skopje, funded through the Erasmus+ program of the European Commission – Brussels, with a total value of 3.7 million euros.

The teams of the three partner institutions: Emkice, Southeast Planning Region and SSKM actively participated in the meeting. The meeting reviewed past activities, current obligations and financial documentation for the new tranche of the budget, as well as priorities for the next nine months of project implementation.

As the host of the event, the newly elected President of SSKM, Mr. Goran Gjorgjievski, presented the new leadership of the Chamber, the newly established working bodies and groups, as well as the key directions in which the organization will develop. Particular attention was paid to the need for education and certification of new profiles of professional staff, which are in short supply on the labor market and represent an important segment for economic growth – in line with the objectives of the SEBCoVE project.

The South-East Planning Region presented the financial aspects and regional needs for the development of competencies in the energy, electronics and electrical sectors, highlighting the 12 training modules that will result in European certificates.

The National Project Coordinator, Mr. Ilija Vuchkov, gave an overview of the implemented and planned activities, as well as future steps related to the formal establishment of the CoVE – Centre of Vocational Excellence. This centre will represent a regional ecosystem that unites educational institutions, the business sector and public institutions in order to develop innovative training programs, practical work and new services in the field of smart electricity for buildings.

CoVE will offer:
* co-design of curricula together with companies
* pilot projects and practical work in real companies
* mobilities and internships for students and teachers
* introduction of European standards and monitoring of results
* support for startups and innovations and access to EU funding

The preparation of 12 certified trainings is in the final phase, and a public call for *experts, lecturers and young professionals who will be able to get involved in the implementation of the programs will be announced soon. The start of the courses is scheduled for November 2025, and participants will have the opportunity to acquire European recognized certificates in areas such as:

* digitalization and automation
* renewable energy sources
* energy storage and analysis systems
* installation of electrical networks and EV stations
* sustainability and energy efficiency management

The SEBCoVE project represents a significant step towards creating a professional workforce ready to respond to the challenges of the energy transition and contribute to the sustainable economic development of the Republic of Macedonia.