On 12 September 2025, the Assembly of North Macedonia adopted amendments to the 2020 Energy Efficiency Law. Drafted by the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, these amendments represent an important part of the country’s comprehensive energy sector reform, building on the framework established by the recently enacted Energy Law. The legislative updates are designed to harmonise North Macedonia’s energy policy with the EU Clean Energy Package, supporting the nation’s commitment to sustainable energy development and EU-aligned regulatory standards.
A key element of the amendments is the strengthening of the “energy efficiency first” principle, in accordance with the EU Directive 2018/2002 on Energy Efficiency. This principle ensures that efficiency is prioritised in planning, investment decisions, and policy-making processes. The amendments are tailored to accelerate the adoption of energy efficiency measures across public authorities, local communities, and the private sector, combining clear obligations with targeted incentives to encourage proactive implementation.
Under the new rules, the central government is now required to renovate at least 3% of state-owned buildings annually, up from 1%, reflecting a stronger commitment to enhancing the energy performance of public infrastructure. In addition, all public sector procurements must now prioritise energy efficiency, with the previous €70,000 threshold removed to ensure that sustainability standards apply to every purchase. The Directive 2009/33/EC on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicleshas also been incorporated into the amendments, obliging public authorities to prioritise clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles.
In terms of strategic documents for energy efficiency development, the amendments integrate the previous National Energy Efficiency Action Plans as one of the five dimensions of the Integrated National Plan for Energy and Climate, in alignment with the new Energy Law. In addition, the framework for the Strategy on the Renovation of Residential, Public, and Commercial Buildings has been upgraded, replacing the former 10-year planning approach with a comprehensive, long-term strategy extending to the year 2050, and supported by a range of state-backed measures and incentives.
At the local level, the limited capacity of municipalities to develop and implement local energy efficiency programs and plans is addressed. Municipalities with fewer than 15,000 inhabitants shall now be allowed to establish joint bodies for the preparation of these documents, ensuring more effective and coordinated action on energy efficiency across smaller communities.
In line with the new legal provisions, Energy Performance Certificates for buildings will be formally recorded in the Real Estate Cadaster, enhancing transparency and accountability in the property sector. The amendments require investors to register this certification for newly constructed buildings or those undergoing substantial renovation.
In its public statement, the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources endorsed this legislative update as a decisive step forward in limiting energy consumption, promoting the integration of renewable energy sources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The reform is expected to contribute to a solid regulatory framework that advances North Macedonia’s alignment with European climate objectives and moves the country forward on its green transition path.
The information in this document does not constitute legal advice on any particular matter and is provided for general informational purposes only.
