Answer to a written question – State of play of the implementation of the Just Transition Mechanism in West Macedonia – E-000517/2025(ASW)

1. As regards Pillar II of the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM) the project ‘Kozani 230 megawatt photovoltaic’, which is receiving EUR 40 million, aims to set up three solar photovoltaic powerplants, of which the first is already operational. The European Investment Bank (EIB) also finances another investment worth EUR 195 million in the same domain, to be partially implemented in the region.

Concerning Pillar III of the JTM, one project is being implemented in the region — ‘Socioeconomic Transition of Western Macedonia[1]’. The project comprises 15 sub-projects in five different areas of investments, including energy efficiency, renewable energy sources integration, measures upgrading buildings or urban renewal. The project is implemented by the region, acting as coordinator for six municipalities. The EU grant and the EIB loan for the project amount to EUR 14 million and EUR 58 million, respectively. The project started on 1 November 2023 and is due to end on 31 October 2026. 15 permanent jobs are expected to be created.

2. The last cut-off date of the first call under Public Sector Loan Facility (PSLF) was on 11 September 2025. Western Macedonia submitted a multi-sectoral grant application underlying a project designed with the assistance of the EIB Advisory Hub. The grant application totals to EUR 19.8 million. The proposal is under evaluation until the beginning of December 2025.

• [1] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projects-details/44773066/101137296/JTM?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=10&sortBy=es_SortDate&frameworkProgramme=44773066.