A meeting of the Economic Council took place in the Government on Wednesday, attended by Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski, First Deputy PM Artan Grubi, Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi, Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi, Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi, Minister of Labor and Social Policy Jovana Trenchevska, National Bank Governor Anita Angelovska-Bezhoska, Public Revenue Office director Sanja Lukarevska, representatives of the energy sector, chambers of commerce, academic community, unions, and experts, reports news agency MIA.
A constructive dialogue throughout the meeting referred to the tackling of the economic-energy crisis that is impacting North Macedonia and Europe, through sharing of information that institutions and businesses have for the sake of more comprehensive management of the crisis consequences, the Government said in a press release.
Options for electricity supply from the national production and modalities for support of the economy and citizens were discussed, including the efforts to secure electricity at a price lower than the one on the stock market, which is in the focus of talks with several neighboring countries.
“We are all aware how the energy crisis will reflect on the entire economy, businesses and citizens. Next week, the Government will present specific, targeted measures for vulnerable groups and companies. Talks with unions will also continue so that we weather this crisis,” said PM Kovachevski and urged all stakeholders in the country to act responsibly.
The meeting also reaffirmed the call to the MPs for sooner adoption of the law on securing a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the amount of EUR 100 million for continued operations of Power Plants of North Macedonia (ESM), as well as the amendments to the Law on Energy, the Law on Oil and its Derivatives, and Budget reallocations for the energy crisis management.
Finance Minister Besimi said the Budget’s liquidity was solid despite the economic crisis, assuring the business community but also urging it to be responsible in its actions. Governor Angelovska-Bezhoska said all measures have been undertaken to curb the inflation and maintain the stability of the Denar exchange rate, while adding that the banks’ stability and liquidity has been ensured.
The Economic Council concluded that the energy situation is stable and highlighted the need for responsible use of energy resources, solidarity and support for vulnerable groups, reads the press release.
