Team Europe assistance: EU4EG helps North Macedonia transform its economy and bring it closer to a sustainable future

Funded by the EU and the German government and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Area Science Park (Trieste, Italy), the EU for Economic Growth (EU4EG) programme delivered a significant boost to small businesses in North Macedonia in the past four years. Expanded product range, innovative and green approaches, and new jobs are among the outputs of the initiative from which benefited over one hundred micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises across the Polog, Northeast, Southwest, and Prespa regions.

More specifically:

The programme has supported the launch of 37 new businesses, ranging from manufacturing and agriculture to ICT, recycling, and the circular economy.

By helping businesses scale up, EU4EG has also generated 265 new jobs, many in areas where employment opportunities were previously severely limited.

EU4EG-backed companies have outperformed expectations. On average, supported businesses have seen a 30% increase in performance-triple the initial 10% target.

The project has also enabled businesses to develop 129 new products and services, from eco-friendly packaging to AI-driven farm management tools. An example is MIT Group in Kumanovo, which-with new equipment funded through EU4EG-expanded its product range with recycled packaging, created new jobs, and moved closer to establishing a wastepaper collection and treatment system.

Another achievement has been cutting the average time for business development from eight months to just five - through accelerated support programmes, expert mentorship, and simplified funding processes.

The amount of grants disbursed to businesses, startups and business support organisations under the programme is over €5.5 million - an investment in equipment, digitalisation, and green transitions.

Beyond individual business success, EU4EG has worked to build a stronger and more sustainable entrepreneurial environment that will continue to benefit the country long after the programme's completion. This includes establishing five regional hubs to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs, as well as introducing 51 new business support services, covering everything from export strategy coaching to circular economy training. Additionally, the programme has helped companies reduce waste and adopt renewable energy solutions, further aligning North Macedonia's economy with the principles of green and sustainable growth.

"These results demonstrate what happens when ambition is met with real support: new businesses, sustainable employment, and stronger local economies. The EU remains a reliable partner of North Macedonia in building a modern, competitive, and green economy that benefits everyone. As the country continues to move forward, we will keep investing in what matters most-its people, their ideas, and the regions driving progress", stated EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas at the closing event of the programme at the end of 2025.

GIZ