New financing for Energy Efficiency Programme for Student Dormitories

The Ministry of Education and Science of North Macedonia, in partnership with the German Development Bank (KfW) and with support from the European Union through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), signed new financing agreements on 19 March 2026 for the continuation of the programme “Energy Efficient Rehabilitation of Student Dormitories and Resource Centers in North Macedonia – Phase 2.”

The agreements include a €40 million loan from KfW for the reconstruction of state-owned student dormitories and resource centres for students with special needs and a €1.25 million contribution under the EU supported Regional Energy Efficiency Programme for the Western Balkans (REEP+) for preparatory activities such as energy audits, detailed designs, and tender documentation for the energy efficient rehabilitation of seven resource centres.

These funds form part of a broader €70 million financial package combining KfW credit and WBIF grant support and represent a significant investment in improving student standards, modernising public buildings, and reducing CO₂ emissions.

The agreements were signed by the Minister of Education and Science Prof. Dr. Vesna Janevska, the Minister of Finance Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska, and Pablo Alvarez Obrador, Energy Director for South-Eastern Europe and Turkey at KfW, in the presence of Stefan Hudolin, Head of the Cooperation Sector at the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of North Macedonia and the Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Jan-Axel Foss.

"This project combines two key priorities: supporting education and promoting the Green Agenda. With ongoing support from the European Commission and the Western Balkans Investment Framework, we are creating energy efficient buildings, reducing pollution in Skopje and offering students a place they can truly call home away from home,” noted Stefan Hudolin.

The programme foresees comprehensive energy efficient reconstruction of state owned student dormitories, including new facades, windows, and upgraded heating and lighting systems, with the aim of reducing energy consumption by at least 30% and improving living conditions for students. Structural improvements will also be undertaken to enhance building safety, longevity, and comfort.

Reconstruction of the “Kuzman Josifovski Pitu” and “Stiv Naumov” student dormitories is currently underway and scheduled for completion this year. By mid 2026, renovation of the remaining seven dormitories across the country is expected to begin, with four slated to reach the “near zero energy building” standard, in line with requirements for new public buildings in the European Union.