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.

The Center for Development Launches a New Project through the Interreg Europe Programme

A sustainable development model requires innovative approaches, partnerships, and targeted policies. To that end, the Center for Development of the South-Еast Planning Region is a partner in the SIJMA project, funded through the Interreg Europe Programme, which promotes social innovation as a tool for creating new jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The project brings together organizations from Spain, Greece, North Macedonia, Hungary, and Germany, creating a network for knowledge exchange and best practices aimed at developing new sustainable development strategies.

Successful Completion of the First SIJMA Project Meeting in Oviedo, Spain

From June 11 to 13, 2025, the Center for Development of the Southeast Planning Region participated in the official kick-off meeting of the SIJMA project – Social Innovations for Jobs and Development in Mining Areas in Transition Across Europe, held in Oviedo, the capital of the Spanish autonomous region of Asturias.

The SIJMA project, funded by the Interreg Europe Programme, aims to develop innovative approaches that enhance employment opportunities and social inclusion for young people. The focus is placed on social innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and active involvement of local stakeholders.

The event began with a working session where partners from five countries – Spain, Germany, Greece, Hungary, and North Macedonia – presented the project’s objectives, structure, and the activities planned for the upcoming period. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to establish the foundations for collaboration, strengthen the partnership network, and align the steps for implementation.

As part of the programme, a field visit was organized to the Muniellos Biosphere Reserve, a former mining area that today serves as a model for successful management of natural resources and a transition toward sustainable rural development. Participants were introduced to several local initiatives and activities aimed at reducing depopulation and promoting the circular economy. Regional mayors shared examples of how social innovation and economic diversification are revitalizing their communities.

The agenda also included a visit to the Nalón Valley, a former hub of heavy industry. The partners visited two key reference centers:

  • Valnalón, a technology park that fosters an entrepreneurial spirit among youth through educational and startup programmes, and
  • ARCU, a creative youth space where informal learning and collaborative action support the development of social and creative initiatives.

Both examples demonstrated how social innovation can generate long-term prospects for young people in less developed regions.

The SIJMA project seeks to enable the transfer of good practices between different regions and contribute to improving policies related to employment, youth engagement, and inclusive local development. The experiences from Oviedo serve as a strong starting point for the continued implementation of activities and for creating conditions for sustainable development in the Southeast Planning Region.

Signed Contracts for Two Significant Regional Projects in the South-Еast Planning Region!

To enhance infrastructure and education, contracts were officially signed for the implementation of two significant regional projects with the municipalities of Vasilevo, Bosilovo, Bogdanci, and Novo Selo.

Project: “Creating a Modern Road Network in the South-Еast Planning Region”
Value: 10,329,081 MKD through the 2025 Programme for Balanced Regional Development of the Bureau for Regional Development, with co-financing from the municipalities of Bosilovo and Vasilevo.
This project foresees the construction and reconstruction of key road routes connecting the municipalities of Vasilevo, Bosilovo, and Novo Selo. The investment will ensure faster, safer, and more efficient transportation for citizens, students, and farmers, while simultaneously strengthening regional connectivity, economic cooperation, and local development.

Project: “Digitalization in Primary Education through Smart Boards”
Value: 2,268,000 MKD through the Programme for Development of Areas with Specific Development Needs of the Bureau for Regional Development.
Within this project, a total of 23 interactive boards will be installed in four rural primary schools:

  • “Goce Delchev” Primary School – Vasilevo (7 boards),
  • “Kiril and Metodij” Primary School – Stojakovo (4 boards),
  • Three schools in the municipality of Bosilovo – Ilovica, Bosilovo, and Monospitovo (7 boards),
  • “Manush Turnovski” Primary School – Novo Selo (5 boards).
    The boards will enable modern, interactive teaching tailored to the needs of students and teachers in rural areas.

Both projects represent an important step towards improving the quality of life in rural areas through investments in infrastructure and the digital transformation of education.

Notice of extension of the deadline for the public call for participation of municipalities in the ReLOaD3 program (Group 2)

UNDP, through the ReLOaD3 Programme, which is being implemented in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia, has announced a public call for funding to strengthen participatory democracy and the role of civil society in decision-making and EU integration processes. All municipalities that have not participated in the previous phases of the ReLOaD programme are invited to express their interest in participating in ReLOaD3. Through this public call, four partner municipalities will be selected to receive support and further develop transparent mechanisms for financing civil society projects.
The deadline for applications is 29.05.2025 by 17:00

Link to the public call: https://www.undp.org/north-macedonia/publications/regional-programme-local-democracy-western-balkans-3-reload3-announces-public-call-participation-reload3-programme

 

Third regional event “Knowledge triangles for Green and Digital Transformation” in Strumica

The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region, together with the partners from the country, Emkice KIC and the Union of Chambers of Commerce of Macedonia, successfully organized the third regional event entitled “Knowledge triangles for Green and Digital Transformation” in Strumica, within the framework of the project “Smart Electricity for Buildings – Centers of Vocational Excellence – SEBCoVE.

The event was attended by mayors, university professors, engineers, architects and representatives from the construction and energy sectors, as well as numerous organizations dedicated to sustainable development. A key focus was on strengthening cooperation between local government, academia and the private sector, with an emphasis on green and digital transformation as a driving force for achieving sustainable development.

The discussions at the event took place in three interactive panel sessions:

  • The first panel was dedicated to energy efficiency in municipalities, where mayors presented successful projects and plans for future efforts in this direction. Local strategies for smart and efficient buildings were highlighted, as well as the challenges municipalities face in their implementation.
  • In the second panel, professors and experts in regional development discussed the role of smart and energy-efficient buildings in the future. They emphasized the importance of new technologies for the development of smart buildings and the potential for cooperation between academia and the business sector for faster implementation of innovative solutions.
  • The third panel focused on the construction sector and energy efficiency. Representatives of companies from the region offered interesting perspectives on the future development of smart and energy-efficient solutions, as well as opportunities for financing these projects.

One of the key moments of the event was the signing of memorandums of cooperation with the electrical and mechanical faculties of the three state universities, the University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Bitola, the University “St. Cyril and Methodius” – Skopje and the University “Goce Delchev” – Shtip. This partnership will enable joint efforts in creating innovative solutions in areas such as mechanical engineering, architecture and electrical engineering, in order to promote green and digital transformation.

The regional event “Knowledge triangles for Green and Digital Transformation” in Strumica was an excellent platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences between the local government, the academic sector and the business community and confirmed the importance of cooperation and partnerships for achieving the goals of sustainable development and innovation. It laid the foundation for the implementation of future activities within the project, encouraged the realization of smart and energy-efficient solutions that will make public and municipal institutions more efficient, reduce electricity costs and contribute to environmental protection in the region.

Annual Workshop of the Regional Development Centres

This year’s three-day Conference on Accountability of the Centers for Development of the eight planning regions in the Republic of North Macedonia is being held in Gevgelija, hosted by South-East Planning Region. The conference was opened by the Minister of Local Self-Government, Mr. Zlatko Perinski, in front of an audience consisting of senior representatives of the Swiss Development Agency, the Bureau for Regional Development, as well as mayors from all regions.

The Centre for development of the South-East Planning Region actively participated in the conference, presenting all projects implemented in the past year, along with current activities and future development plans. The second day was dedicated to the identification and coordination of donor funds within the framework of the “Fundraising” workshop, aimed at finding financial resources for new projects. The final part of the conference was reserved for the presentation of the activities of the Ministry of Local Self-Government and the Bureau for Regional Development to support balanced regional development in 2025.

Like previous years, this conference enabled networking, team-building, exchange of experiences and promotion of regional values ​​and brands, all in the spirit of the joint mission for balanced development, with the aim of improving the quality of life of citizens – from regional to national level.

   

 

We successfully implemented “Day of the region”!

On 03.12.2024, at the City Gallery in Strumica, the event “Day of the South-East Planning Region” was held, organized by the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region, within the framework of the project “Sustainable and Inclusive Balanced Regional Development – Phase 2,” financially supported by the Ministry of Local Self-Government and the Swiss Agency for Cooperation and Development.
The best of the region was discussed – innovations, ideas and visions for the future.

The event was a platform for presenting the achievements and potential of the region, attracting a wide range of participants, including representatives from local authorities, the academic community, the civil sector and the private sector. During the day, participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with the new Communication Strategy for the promotion of the region, which will contribute to better cooperation with the community and increased visibility of regional initiatives.

The event featured inspiring panel discussions covering key topics for the development of the region, such as the role of municipalities as a pillar of regional progress, the implementation of green practices and circular economy as drivers of sustainability, as well as opportunities for development through tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage.
A special moment was the video presentation of the South-East region, which highlighted the dynamics of development and the future potential of the region, inspiring attendees to think about new opportunities for cooperation.

The event ended with an informal networking and cocktail, where participants shared their ideas for future collaborations. We look forward to seeing the results of this initiative and following our region’s path to a better future!

The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region – part of the networking at the European Commission and the European Parliament in Brussels!

The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region participated in high-profile events organized by the ACRID Network, focused on strengthening leadership skills and effectively utilizing funding opportunities through the European Union.

Participants received practical guidance on:

✅ Preparing for the upcoming Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ calls for 2025.

✅ Strengthening leadership capacities to develop successful funding strategies.

✅ Building strong project consortia for future initiatives.

✅ Analyzing funding opportunities through programs such as Horizon Europe, LIFE+, and SMP.
✅ Developing partnerships within eight thematic areas.
✅ Discussion on energy, transport, environment, and industry.
✅ Promoting a circular economy and addressing resource constraints.
✅ Encouraging digital, green, and advanced technologies to strengthen Europe’s global competitiveness.

The visit of the European Commission and the European Parliament enabled a direct exchange of experiences with European institutions that are actively working to support regional growth, innovation and sustainable development.

During the gala dinner organized by the hosts, the SEBCoVE project was officially promoted by all the present partners and the attendees had the opportunity to learn about the key activities implemented within the project, as well as the expected results.

Through its participation, the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region:
– Strengthened international partnerships and opened new opportunities for joint projects.
– Provided access to innovation resources and platforms to support sustainable initiatives.
– Received valuable guidance for harmonizing regional strategies with the priorities of the European Union

These activities represent a significant step forward in ensuring sustainable, inclusive and innovation-oriented development for the South-East region.