North Macedonia

Agricultural land accounts for around half of the country’s total area, making drought a risk with direct consequences for food production, farmers’ incomes and the rural economy. Against the backdrop of reduced and poorly distributed rainfall, higher temperatures and longer dry periods, the need for more efficient water use and more resilient production practices is becoming increasingly urgent. On the occasion of 17 June, the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, a regional project implemented with the support of the German Government through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) highlights the importance of practical, science-based solutions that can help farmers adapt more effectively to climate-related risks.

The City of Varaždin hosted the two-day regional event "From Planning to Practice: Mobility, Public Spaces and the Voice of Citizens" on 10 and 11 June 2026, bringing together around 100 representatives of cities and municipalities, ministries, the transport sector, academia, civil society organisations, network members, and experts from the Western Balkans, Croatia, Slovenia, and South-East Europe.

The Twinning Programme between wastewater treatment plant operators from the Western Balkans and Switzerland concluded last week on 5 June 2026, after a week of hands-on learning, professional exchange and practical cooperation across Swiss wastewater treatment plants.

On World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to working with partners in North Macedonia for #ClimateAction. through the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans and in support of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, GIZ, on behalf of the German Government and together with national, local and regional partners, supports concrete steps toward a greener and more climate-resilient future. Across sectors — from water and agriculture to mobility, energy and circular economy — this support helps translate regional climate and green transition commitments into practical solutions that improve people’s daily lives.

Dolno Lisiche, 1 June 2026 — With German support, a new demonstration field for testing climate change adaptation practices in agriculture was opened in Dolno Lisiche, in the presence of senior representatives of the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity, the German Embassy, and the Macedonian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy.

Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) operators from the Western Balkans will take part in a one-week twinning programme in Switzerland from 31 May to 5 June 2026, organised by the Swiss Water Association (VSA) and GIZ, through the Regional Capacity Development Network for Water and Sanitation Services (RCDN+).

In Tirana, policymakers, technical experts, city representatives and regional institutions gathered for United for Climate, where the second day was dedicated to advancing climate-resilient sustainable urban mobility across the Western Balkans. At a moment when climate pressures on cities are intensifying, from extreme heat and flooding to congestion, air pollution and infrastructure stress, the conference sent a clear signal: the region is moving from discussion towards delivery.

Plastic prevention and circular economy in the Western Balkans need more than good strategies — they need practical exchange, tested solutions and strong regional cooperation.