EU4EG FINAL EVENT SHOWCASES THE ACHIEVEMENTS AND THE LASTING LEGACY
The EU-funded programme EU for Economic Growth (EU4EG) marked its official closing today with an exhibition bringing together more than fifty MSMEs, startups, accelerators, joined by policy makers, and partners.
Since its launch, EU4EG has over 100 MSMEs and startups in the Polog, Northeast, Southwest region, and Prespa area, enabling businesses of all sizes to improve operations, expand markets, and adopt greener and more digital practices.
“Looking at the economic situation and the opportunities in North Macedonia back in 2021, the German government turned to GIZ and Area Science Park (Trieste) to implement this project for economic growth, both with EU and German support. Today we are witnessing the results, but German support does not end here. Most recently, Germany has mandated a study of the macroeconomic situation in North Macedonia and asked experts to give some recommendations how the climate for foreign investment can be further improved. Germany remains engaged in the region, and in North Macedonia, wishing to see both strong democracies and economic wellbeing.” – Jan-Axel Voss, deputy ambassador, German Embassy in North Macedonia.
Key achievements include: 37 newly established companies, strengthening the entrepreneurial pipeline. 265 new jobs created, many in economically vulnerable regions. An average performance increase of 30% among supported companies, significantly above the 10% target. 129 new products and services launched, showcasing strong innovation potential. 51 new services developed by business support organizations, including 18 advanced services. 5 accelerators successfully implementing business development programmes. Reduction of business development time from 8 months to 5 months through structured support. Over €5.5 million in grants disbursed to MSMEs, startups, and BSOs.
“The results we witnessed today show what happens when ambition meets real support: new companies, new sustainable jobs and strong local growth. We believe in North Macedonia’s potential. The European Union will stay a reliable partner in building a modern, competitive and green economy that creates opportunities for everyone. As the country moves forward, we will continue investing where it matters most: people, ideas and the regions that drive this progress” - EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas.
These achievements reflect EU4EG’s focus on practical, measurable, and long-term impact for the private sector, supporting enterprises in manufacturing, agriculture, recycling, ICT, food production, blue economy, and circular economy.
“Going forward, as the Ministry of Economy and Labour, we will continue supporting the development of accelerators, empowering young innovators, engaging local communities, and building economically strong regions—not only strong centres. The European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany, through this project, have shown a clear example of how a well-designed strategy can deliver real and sustainable results. Our task now is to ensure institutional continuity so that this infrastructure continues to function even after the project has ended,” said the Minister of Economy and Labour, Besar Durmishi.
The exhibition served as a living demonstration of EU4EG’s impact, featuring companies that have improved efficiency, entered new markets, reduced environmental footprints, and expanded employment opportunities.
EU4EG leaves behind strengthened institutions, a more capable entrepreneurial ecosystem, and a network of accelerators and support organizations that now offer sustainable services beyond the project’s lifespan.
“As the implementing partner of the EU4EG project in North Macedonia, GIZ works closely with the Government, the EU Delegation, and our local partners to support economic growth that is sustainable, green, and future-oriented. Our role is to translate European priorities into practical solutions for businesses — from digitalisation and circular economy approaches to strengthening value chains and improving market access. Together with our national partners, we are proud of the many MSMEs and startups that have used this support to innovate, invest, and grow. Their achievements show what is possible when international cooperation meets strong local commitment. GIZ remains dedicated to continuing this partnership and to contributing to a more competitive economy that creates opportunities for people across the country.”- Mark Barret, team lead at GIZ North Macedonia
The event highlighted the results of a multi-year collaboration between the European Union, the Government of Germany and North Macedonia, implemented by GIZ and Area Science Park, aimed at strengthening the competitiveness, resilience, and innovation capacity of the country’s private sector.
